Real Madrid began the 2024-25 campaign with a special win over Atalanta in the UEFA Super Cup, lifting silverware in their first game of the season.
Since then, they have played two games in La Liga, winning one and drawing the second. While the team’s performance on the field has been inconsistent, Vinicius Jr has regularly shone for the men in white across all three games.
In just three games, the Brazilian has two assists to his name and his connection with Kylian Mbappé appears to be developing well.
Speaking to CNN in a recent interview, the Real Madrid superstar revealed how it was an honour to represent Real Madrid even after playing for the club for years at this point.
“I’ve always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment like it was the last.”
The Brazilian also revealed the close connection he shared with football legend Ronaldo and how he continually urged him to push for greatness.
“I was with Ronaldo when I was in Ibiza and trained at his house, he told me: ‘Train here a few more days, so you are closer to the Ballon d’Or.’”
Vinicius now forms one of the most fierce attacking duos in world football with Kylian Mbappé and he openly spoke on the Frenchman’s playing style as part of the interaction.
“I love Mbappe’s style, I love how he plays, and the truth is that I’m very excited about what we can do.”
“He’s coming in after having scored so many goals, after winning so many titles. He’s arriving at the club he always dreamed to be where every player always dreamed to play for: Real Madrid,” he added.
Real Madrid start the new season as the reigning La Liga and UEFA Champions League title-holders. When quizzed about what the team aimed for this season, Vinicius said,
“Our goal now is to win the treble.”
The youngster then commented on how the Copa del Rey often serves as a hurdle for Los Blancos in their hunt for a treble.
“The Copa del Rey always throws us off from winning the treble because you play against very tough teams throughout January, which is the period when there are the most games, so it ends up complicating things.”
With no natural striker in the team, Mbappé has taken on the onus of being the goal-scorer in charge for Real Madrid. Vinicius backed the Frenchman to come good despite his opening jitters.
“God willing, Mbappe will be able to score as many goals for us as he did in his previous team and in the national team, and that he can do even more together with us.”
Commenting on his personal aspirations as a professional footballer, Vinicius said,
“I want to stay at this level for a long time and be able to win as many Champions Leagues as Carvajal, Modric, Nacho and Toni Kroos, who won six.”
“We might have one of the best teams for the next decade, and now, we have to show on the pitch that we can perform,” he added on the core around him.
The 24-year-old is currently the favourite to take home this year’s Ballon d’Or and he outlined how many voices around him including legends told him he was destined for one.
“Ronaldo and Ronaldinho tell me every day that I have to win the Ballon d’Or.”
Finally, the youngster urged his teammates to push for more greatness with every game at the club.
“I, along with my teammates, each time, each game we play, we can get closer to winning Real Madrid more titles.”