Vini Jr. won every possible individual award from the Intercontinental Cup: he was named the Golden Ball, Final MVP and Tournament MVP. The Brazilian made the difference against Pachuca, setting up Mbappé to net the opener and scoring from the spot to make it 3-0. The winner of The Best 2024 spoke to the media in the press room at the Lusail Stadium: “It's been a beautiful week, really special for me. This is for all the players who have played with me since I was a kid, and especially for Real Madrid. They've done everything for me, they give me freedom, and help me every day to do great things for the team and for this great club. I hope we can continue like this for a long time."  

Ballon d'Or
“I am calm day to day, ever since I was able to give my family a better life. I arrived at Real Madrid, the best club in the world, and I was undermined for a long time but I've never let my head drop, I just kept working hard. An award in which people chose not to vote for me won't change what I think or what my teammates tell me every day. I'm here to play for them and do my best for this jersey, the greatest in the world."

His relationship with Mbappé
“I'm a huge fan of his. I sent him loads of messages because I always dreamed of playing with him, he's a fantastic player. We've admired each other for a long time. We have a wonderful group, we all love each other very much, there's no vanity here. We're here to put Real Madrid at the top, where it should always be."

Does winning this trophy give you confidence?
“Every game we play, we play to win, especially when it's a final. We always want to be at the top. Today's is not just any trophy, we've been crowned the best club in the world. I hope we can keep it up for a long time to come and continue making history in these colours."

Defining an era
“I think so. The team has lived up to what history demands of them, which is winning big titles. Not any player can wear this jersey, they don't all get the chance to play for the best team in the world. We're the chosen ones, it's a unique feeling very few players have been able to enjoy."

Bellingham
“He was able to play almost the entire match. I haven't had chance to speak with him yet, we won't stop until we're on the plane now. I hope it's nothing and he's fit for the next game against Sevilla at home."