Vinicius Junior aims dig at Man City over Ballon d'Or banner as Real Madrid star has last laugh Vinicius Junior revealed he was spurred on by a banner unfurled by Manchester City fans ahead of Real Madrid’s dramatic Champions League victory.
Vinicius had been the favourite to win football’s most prestigious individual prize for the first time, but it emerged in the build-up to the ceremony that Rodri had topped the voting and Real therefore made the decision not to send any representatives, despite winning other awards.
The Brazilian was named player of the match as Real twice came from behind to beat City 3-2 in the first leg of their play-off tie, providing the assist for Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner at the Etihad Stadium.
Jamie Carragher criticised the Man City fans for their “ridiculous” banner, but it was Vinicius who had the last laugh.
Vinicius has 16 goals and eight assists in all competitions so far this season and shone at the Etihad, with his manager Carlo Ancelotti agreeing that the pre-match display had a positive impact on the Brazilian.
