Zinedine Zidane urged Vinicius Junior to follow the example of two Real Madrid icons in order to achieve long-term success.

Having enjoyed a standout year with victories in both La Liga and the Champions League, along with a match-winning performance in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, Vinicius is at the peak of his career. However, despite his achievements, the Brazilian was outshone by Manchester City’s Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, which left him disappointed.

Real Madrid, feeling disrespected by the Ballon d’Or organizers—particularly after the result was leaked before the official announcement—decided to boycott the ceremony.

Reflecting on advice Zidane gave him when he was just 19 and settling into his first season in Spain, Vinicius recalled Zidane’s key message: “Zidane always tells me to stay calm and keep improving. He says if I do that, I’ll be at the club for a long time, just like Marcelo and Casemiro, who have been here for many years and have achieved so much.”

Vinicius likely kept this advice in mind when he responded to missing out on the Ballon d’Or title, posting: “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They won’t be ready.”