Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario congratulated his compatriot Vinicius Jr. after the latter was named the Best Men’s Player of the Year by FIFA. Vinicius had missed out on the Ballon d’Or in October, which sparked mixed reactions in the football world.
However, the 24-year-old has now been crowned the best men’s player of 2023-24, beating Rodri to the accolade. Ronaldo hailed Vincius Jr., saying, (via Madrid Zone on X):
“They tried to erase you, my friend and you danced on them. The best player in the world is black and Brazilian”, Ronaldo said, veily mocking France Football, organisers of the now controversial Ballon d’Or.
Ronaldo won the FIFA World Player of the Year three times (1996, 1997, and 2002) and is the youngest player to win the accolade at 20.
