Brazilian club Flamengo has extended a heartfelt tribute to former player Vinícius Júnior following his prestigious victory at the 2024 FIFA Best Awards.
The Real Madrid forward, who spent his early years at Flamengo, was named World Player of the Year during the ceremony held in Doha on Tuesday.
Vinícius Júnior’s exceptional performances for both the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid earned him the top honour at the FIFA awards.
The 23-year-old amassed 48 points to claim the title, finishing ahead of Spanish midfielder Rodri (43 points) and England’s Jude Bellingham (37 points).
Flamengo, which played a pivotal role in Vinícius Júnior’s development, took to social media to express their immense pride in their former star’s achievements.
In a message posted on their official account, the club shared a deeply emotional tribute to the player, fondly known as “Wine” by his fans.
The statement read: “It is very difficult to find the words to express all the love we have for you.
Vini,
É muito difícil encontrar palavras pra dizer o quanto te amamos.
Nascido, criado e condecorado vestindo vermelho-e-preto. Dividimos o Manto, os ídolos, as arquibancadas; as angústias e as festas. Nosso.
Te ver é nos vermos. Seus sonhos são nossos sonhos. Suas lutas são… pic.twitter.com/sLnXfl8bJk
— Flamengo (@Flamengo) December 17, 2024
You were born, you grew up, and you shone wearing the red and black.
We shared the same jersey, the titles, the stands; the moments of worry and joy. You are one of us.
Flamengo’s message highlighted the bond between the club and Vinícius Júnior, emphasizing that his success is shared by the entire Flamengo family.
To see you succeed is to see a part of us in you. Your dreams are our dreams. Your struggles are our struggles.
Your successes are our successes,” the statement continued.
Affectionately referred to as “Little Garoto Ninho,” Flamengo further expressed their admiration for the player’s embodiment of the club’s core values.
These values, they noted, include love for the sport, resilience, joy in victory, and determination in the face of adversity – qualities that Vinícius Júnior has consistently displayed on and off the field.
Flamengo’s tribute also reflected the widespread admiration for Vinícius Júnior across Brazil.
You are a source of pride and inspiration for all of Brazil,” the message concluded.
It is wonderful to see your name written on the jerseys and to hear your name sung, admired by millions of children who play and dream of becoming like you.
The club’s heartfelt post ended with the powerful statement: “We knew this day would come and yet here we are, overwhelmed with emotion.
The whole world is yours, and your people are celebrating your success, champ!
As Vinícius Júnior continues to shine on the global stage, Flamengo remains a proud part of his journey, celebrating his triumphs and the values he represents.
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) December 17, 2024
