“This is not normal” - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti affirms support for 24-year-old star amidst recent criticism
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti defended superstar Vinicius Jr. after the Brazilian made headlines for shushing fans during Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad at the Reale Arena on Saturday, September 14. The victory got them to 11 points on the La Liga 2024-25 table - four points behind leaders Barcelona (15).
Real Sociedad were unlucky on the day, hitting the woodwork thrice and handing two penalties to the visitors. Vinicius Jr. (58') and Kylian Mbappe (75') converted from the spot to secure the third win for Los Blancos in La Liga this season.
Vinicius Jr. silenced the Sociedad supporters after converting his penalty in the second half - a gesture that was criticized by many including Real Madrid legend Predrag Mijatović.
Defending the 24-year-old after the game, Ancelotti blamed the Reale Arena crowd for booing him during warm-ups.
"What has happened to Vinícius over the years is unbearable," Ancelotti said after the match. "I can understand booing a rival, but insults during the warm-up are unacceptable." (via Bien Sports)
Carlo Ancelotti urged everyone to focus on what happens inside the stadiums instead of criticizing the players.
"Whistles and many insults even during warm-ups, this is not normal. They shouldn't pay much attention to Vini and pay more attention to what happens in the stadiums," he continued.
Real Madrid right-back Daniel Carvajal also explained Vinicius Jr.'s reaction after the game, claiming that it is natural to respond when one is provoked.
"From inside the field, we heard insults directed at Vini. When you're provoked, it's natural to respond, and it's common for players to react in such situations when they’re not left alone," said the Spaniard (via Bien Sports).
"Vinicius is a different player" - La Liga president picks the Real Madrid superstar as Ballon d'Or 2024 favorite
La Liga president Javier Tebas has backed Vinicius Jr. to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or at the Theatre du Chatelet on October 28, 2024. The Brazillian was instrumental in Real Madrid's success last season and Tebas believes that the 24-year-old deserves it.
Vinicius Jr. has consistently grown in stature ever since he arrived at Real Madrid from Flamengo in the summer of 2018. The Brazilian has recorded 85 goals and 78 assists in 270 games for Los Blancos.
He was one of the key contributors to the club's La Liga, Champions League, and Supercopa de Espana triumphs last season, scoring 24 goals and creating 11 more in 39 games in all competitions.
Talking about his Ballon d'Or chances, Tebas commented (as quoted by Madrid Xtra on X):
“Ballon d'Or? Vinicius is a different player. He deserves it.”
If Vinicius Jr. wins it on October 28, he will be the first Brazilian since Kaka in 2007 to get the coveted honor.