Real Madrid News
A statistical breakdown of Vinicius’ Ballon d’Or-winning season with Real Madrid
While football is not played for individual accolades, awards like the Ballon d’Or and FIFA The Best are considered some of the most prestigious titles in the game.
After an era of dominance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the world of football is stepping into a new era, dominated by a younger generation and it is safe to say that Real Madrid players are dominating the way.
Winning both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League last season, Los Blancos have several players in the running for various individual accolades.
Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr are said to be frontrunners but it has become clear in recent weeks that the Brazilian is the overwhelming favourite.
The numbers of a champion
Vinicius’ 2023-24 season was simply phenomenal in every aspect as he led Real Madrid from the front across all competitions.
In 3791 minutes, the winger scored 26 goals and recorded 13 assists including four goals in two finals.
He won the UEFA Champions League after scoring in the finale and also got his hands on La Liga, the Supercopa de Espana with a hat-trick in the final and was even named the player of the tournament in the UCL.
His numbers in Europe, after all, were simply exceptional as he recorded 7 G/A in the knockout stages and was the man-of-the-match in both legs of the semifinals.
Overall, the youngster earned 12 man-of-the-match accolades including one in the Supercopa final and was named Real Madrid’s player of the month thrice.
Vinicius will win the Ballon d’Or
Considering that the player achieved all of this with over two months out injured shows why he is a deserved winner.
Real Madrid’s star winger was one of the nominees announced by France Football for the Ballon d’Or earlier this month and it is well known that he is one of the best-placed to win.
The ceremony will take place on 28th October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris and as revealed earlier today, the player already knows that he will be awarded the prestigious accolade during the festivities in Paris.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
