“Vinicius Jr is the best player in the world” - Brazil star makes confident claim about Real Madrid forward after 4-1 win vs Paraguay
Brazil winger Savio has hailed teammate Vinicius Jr as the best player in the world. The Real Madrid star scored twice in Brazil's 4-1 win over Paraguay in Copa America on Friday, June 28.
Speaking to the media after the game, Savio confidently claimed that his compatriot was better than every other footballer in the world. He did not beat around the bush, kept his comment simple and said (via MadridXtra on X):
“Vinicius Jr is the best player in the world.”
Footballing legend Thierry Henry also recently claimed that Vinicius Jr was the best player in the world currently. He said earlier this month (via CBS Sports):
"It can change. Because, we all know, people talk about Ballon d'Or all the time -- Copa America and the Euro will dictate that. It will not stop because of this game, even if Vinicius scores or Bellingham scores and Real Madrid win -- the Euro or the Copa America will have an impact on who get the Ballon d'Or. But, right now, this guy is ahead for me."
Henry's comments came after Liverpool great Jamie Carragher also said that Vinicius Jr was the best in the world according to him.
Carlo Ancelotti has backed Vinicius Jr to win Ballon d'Or
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti opined that Vinicus Jr was the world's best player in the 2023-24 season and backed him to win the Ballon d'Or. Speaking ahead of Madrid's UEFA Champions League final, the Italian tactician claimed that Vinicius works hard to be among the best and said:
"He's doing a great job. He's still got the Champions League final to come and then he'll be at the Copa America. He's very close, and if he has positive results in both competitions, he could well win it (Ballon d'Or). Before I came to coach Madrid, I saw Vinicius on TV and I thought what an incredibly talented player he looked."
He added:
"When I arrived here, that much was clear, and he's improved on many things to enhance that talent. He's better at evading his markers now and has improved in front of goal as well. He's done so with a spectacular work ethic on a daily basis, he's focused in training and recovers well after matches. He's a highly disciplined professional and he deserves everything he's achieved."
Vinicius Jr finished the 2023/24 season with 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 matches. He has now scored two more goals in two Copa America matches with Brazil.