"There's nothing" - Carlo Ancelotti plays down rumours linking Real Madrid superstar with blockbuster Saudi move
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports linking star forward Vinicius Jr being offered a lucrative deal to join the Saudi Pro League this summer. The Brazilian has been a key player for Los Blancos since arriving in 2018.
In a press-conference on Tuesday (August 13), the Los Blancos coach rubbished the reports of Vinicius' departure and that there's no truth to them.
"Vinicius and Saudi Arabia? There's NOTHING," he said. (via Madrid Xtra on X)
According to The Athletic, a Public Investment Fund delegation, on behalf of the Saudi Arabia sporting ministry, offered Vinicius Jr's entourage a lucrative deal for the player to join the Saudi Pro League this summer.
The deal would have seen the Brazilian earn €1 billion over five years and is dubbed as the biggest in the history of sport. It would have also seen the Brazilian become the face of Saudi Arabia's campaign for the 2034 FIFA World Cup, but both Vini and Real Madrid rejected the offer.
The Brazilian forward quickly became one of the most valuable Los Blancos stars since his arrival. His current deal with the club runs till 2027.
When Carlo Ancelotti backed Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr to win the Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid star forward Vini Jr is one of the top contenders to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian had an exceptional season with Los Blancos, winning the Champions League, La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup.
Shortly after the Spanish giants won a record-extending 15th Champions League title, Ancelotti backed Vinicius to win the Ballon d'Or.
"Vini Jr deserves the Ballon d’Or. I’ve no doubts." the coach said.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez also shared Don Carlo's sentiments, backing the star forward to win the most coveted individual award in the sport.
"Vini Jr should win Ballon d’Or. There is no doubt." Perez said.
The Joga Bonito star recorded 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions for Los Blancos last season. He scored in multiple big games, including the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, the semi-final first leg with Bayern Munich and Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final.
However, his stint with Brazil at the 2024 Copa America didn't go as expected, as they lost to Uruguay in the quarter-final. Nevertheless, his chances of winning his first Ballon d'Or this year look bright.