Culture Axis: New Preds, Messi answers 'Stoke' question & more

Flimsy Liverpool risk letting down Messi-like Salah in title race

The Curious Case of Marcelo

Man Utd three-peat or MLS? Pogba's transfer options - ranked

UCL Power Rankings: Barca No.1 after lucky draw as Liverpool fall

Editors' Picks

Walker’s wife Kilner jets to Dubai for night out with Rooney

Antony's hot Betis start is over as Barca flop Roque sees red

'I regret leaving Barca' - Former wonderkid admits mistake after Camp Nou exit

Bompastor admits 'lying for 13 years' over secret relationship

UCL last-16 draw: Liverpool land PSG, Arsenal face PSV

Maguire, you lucky boy! VAR & Bruno save despairing Amorim

Title race run? Lewis-Skelly red card madness costs Arsenal

How to watch Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 from anywhere

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Rodri beat Vinicius to 2024 Ballon d'Or</li><li>City fans mocked the Brazilian ahead of kick-off</li><li>He responded with Man Of The Match display</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Vinicius Junior admits Man City's Ballon d'Or banner 'gave me more strength' as Real Madrid superstar leaves Etihad Stadium with Man Of The Match award

LaLiga

Real Madrid

Girona

Premier League

Manchester City

Liverpool

<p>The Brazilian was <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/full-2024-ballon-dor-voting-breakdown-reveals-rodri-margin-victory-over-vinicius-jr-controversial-contest/blt0e0bff7ed05adce4" target="_blank">beaten to the 2024 prize by City's star midfielder Rodri</a> and refused to attend the awards ceremony as a result, provoking a banner from City's fans reading 'Stop Crying Your Heart Out' ahead of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 play-off first-leg tie. He then produced a Man Of The Match performance in <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/man-city-player-ratings-vs-real-madrid-champions-league-erling-haaland-ederson-rico-lewis/blt8741fecd50307b1e" target="_blank">Real's dramatic 3-2 victory</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>It had been widely assumed that Vinicius was in line to be crowned the world's best player in 2024 after he played a key role in Real Madrid's run to a La Liga and Champions League double. When news emerged prior to the ceremony that Rodri - who was key to Manchester City's fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain's Euro 2024 triumph - was set to beat him, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/vincius-junior-convinced-not-crowned-2024-ballon-dor-winner-furious-real-madrid-cancel-ceremony-travel-plans-jude-bellingham/bltc6de090cd902d4d6" target="_blank">all Real Madrid staff boycotted the event</a>. The giant banner held up by City fans as the teams emerged onto the field at Etihad Stadium provided the 24-year-old with all the motivation he needed to set up two of Real's three goals.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Vinicius said: "I saw the banner, but when opposition fans do things it always gives me more strength to play a great game and here I did that. City know our history and everything we've done in this competition." </p>

WHAT VINICIUS SAID

<p>Real take a one-goal advantage into next week's second leg and are clear favourites to qualify for the last 16 at the expense of Pep Guardiola's side. Another deep run in this competition would enhance Vinicius' prospects of scooping the Ballon d'Or in 2025, though team-mates Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham also have their eyes on the prize. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR VINICIUS AND REAL MADRID?

Vinicius Junior admits Man City's Ballon d'Or banner 'gave me more strength' as Real Madrid superstar leaves Etihad Stadium with Man Of The Match award | Goal.com

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior admits he took &quot;strength&quot; from a banner held up by Manchester City fans mocking his Ballon d&apos;Or snub.

Vinicius Junior admits Man City&apos;s Ballon d&apos;Or banner &apos;gave me more strength&apos; as Real Madrid superstar leaves Etihad Stadium with Man Of The Match award

Next matches