“Our Ronaldo and Ronaldinho” - Bruno Guimaraes makes bold comparison while describing Vinicius Jr and Brazil teammate
Brazil star Bruno Guimaraes has made a bold claim about Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo. The midfielder has drawn comparisons between the Real Madrid duo and Brazil icons Ronaldo Nazario and Ronaldinho.
The Selecao had a difficult start to the 2024 Copa America as their opening fixture against Costa Rica ended in a goalless draw. Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo received criticism for their performances in the fixture.
Brazil then redeemed themselves with a 4-1 victory over Paraguay in their second group-stage fixture, with Vinicius grabbing a brace. Speaking ahead of their final group-stage game against Colombia, Guimaraes lavished praise on the two Real Madrid superstars.
Comparing them to the likes of Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, Guimaraes said (via Madrid Universal):
“Vini and Rodrygo are our Ronaldo and Ronaldinho. When I was a kid I was in love with Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Kaka. We want to bring that back with Vini, Rodrygo, etc."
While Guimaraes has spoken highly of the Brazil duo, Vinicius Jr has his work cut out for him to emulate Ronaldo's international career. The legendary striker scored 62 goals and provided 32 assists in 99 caps for the Selecao.
Ronaldo is a two-time World Cup and Copa America winner with Brazil, while he has won two Ballon d'Or awards during his career. Meanwhile, Vinicius Jr seems on track to secure his first Ballon d'Or for his exploits last season.
The Brazil international was exceptional for Los Blancos during the 2023-24 campaign, playing a crucial role in winning the Champions League and La Liga.
"He teaches me a great deal" - Vinicius Jr reveals how Ronaldo's advice 'improved' his game
Vinicius Jr has revealed that Ronaldo occasionally calls him and offers him advice. The Real Madrid winger opened up about how his game has improved following his conversations with his idol.
Speaking to UEFA's official website a month ago, Vinicius named a list of idols, including those from other sports such as Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan. He said:
"There's Pele, Kobe [Bryant], Ronaldo [Nazario], [Michael] Jordan, Cristiano [Ronaldo]. I tool a bit from every generation of our favorite sports. Pele is out king."
Vinicius added:
"Ronaldo was a star for Brazil and played for Real Madrid as well. He teaches me a great deal and calls me whenever he can give me some tips. Ever since he told me his best ability was in one on ones with the keeper, I started to think about it and improved a lot after the conversation I had with him. Now everytime I have one-on-one, I'm as calm as I can be."
Vinicius ended the 2023-24 season as Real Madrid's top goalscorer across competitions, recording 24 goals and 11 assists.