Vinícius Júnior’s Sweet Revenge Against Manchester City Fans
In the world of football, rivalries are as much about the fans as they are about the players on the pitch. This was evident in the recent Champions League clash between Real Madrid and Manchester City, where the drama extended beyond the 90 minutes of play. The spotlight was on Vinícius Júnior, who had the last laugh in his ongoing feud with City fans. The Brazilian forward took to social media to express his feelings after Real Madrid knocked Pep Guardiola’s side out of the Champions League on Wednesday.
Before the first leg at Etihad Stadium, City fans had a little fun at Vinícius’s expense. They unveiled a banner featuring Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or trophy, accompanied by the Oasis lyric “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.” This was a cheeky nod to Rodri beating Vinícius to the prestigious individual award conferred by France Football in October last year. The snub was significant enough that Vinícius and the entire Madrid delegation decided to skip the ceremony in Paris.
But as they say, revenge is a dish best served cold. Following Madrid’s 3-1 win at the Bernabéu, which saw them advance to the round of 16, Vinícius posted a simple yet pointed message on X: “Okay, okay, okay” accompanied by a crying emoji. It was a clear response to the banner and a reminder of who had the last laugh.
Okay okay okay!!!!!!! 😭
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) February 19, 2025
Vinícius’s contribution to the tie was significant. In the first leg, he set up Jude Bellingham‘s last-gasp winner at the Etihad, giving the reigning champions a 2-1 lead going into the clash at the Bernabéu. His performance was a testament to his resilience and ability to rise to the occasion, especially when the stakes are high.
After the game, Vinícius spoke to Movistar about the banner and how it motivated him. “I saw it [the banner]. But when opposition fans do things, it always gives me more strength to play a great game, and here I did that,” he said. “They know our history and everything we’ve done in this competition.”
- Vinícius Júnior’s response on social media was a direct hit back at Manchester City fans.
- The banner at Etihad Stadium was a reference to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win over Vinícius.
- Real Madrid’s victory at the Bernabéu secured their place in the round of 16.
- Vinícius’s assist in the first leg was crucial for Madrid’s lead.
- The Brazilian forward used the banner as motivation to deliver a stellar performance.
In the end, the exchange between Vinícius and the City fans is a reminder of the passion and emotion that make football so captivating. It’s not just about the goals and the trophies; it’s about the stories and the rivalries that unfold along the way. For Vinícius, this was a moment of personal triumph, a chance to silence the doubters and prove his worth on the biggest stage.
As the Champions League progresses, all eyes will be on Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior. Can they continue their winning streak and add another trophy to their illustrious history? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Vinícius will be ready to rise to the challenge, banner or no banner.
Originally Written by: ESPN
