Social media reacted after learning of Vinicius' whereabouts on the night of the Ballon d'Or awards. One of the most improved players in Europe last season was Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior. Many thought that the Brazilian would not be in the top three in the race to win the Ballon d'Or, but at least in the top five. But that didn't happen.
The star, who won the Champions League and La Liga last season for Real, was ranked eighth in the voting at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in France's Theater du Chatelet last night.
Neymar himself did not make it to the shortlist of 30 nominees for the Ballon d'Or this time. The 2021–22 season did not go well for the Brazilian star. Neymar played only 28 matches for PSG in that injury-plagued season. Scored 13 goals. But Neymar was optimistic about Vinicius. That the PSG forward was hoping to see him in the top three was evident in his reaction at the end of the Ballon d'Or.
Neymar could not be satisfied with the position of Vinicius even though he congratulated Real star Karim Benzema who won the Ballon d'Or. His tweet, 'Benzema deservedly won. But it's impossible for Vinny to be eighth...at least in the top three.''
Vinicius formed a great pair in Real's attack last season with Benzema. Not even the toughest defenders of opposing teams cared. His goal won Real Madrid in the Champions League final against Liverpool. In addition to scoring 4 goals, Vinicius also scored 7 goals in the Champions League last season.
He scored 17 goals in 35 matches in La Liga and made 13 more goals. Vinicius also scored in the Spanish Super Cup against Barcelona.
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