Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior is eager to secure his first Ballon d'Or by the end of October, a goal he hopes to bolster with a strong performance during the Champions League match against Lille on Wednesday. As the team prepares for this important clash at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Vinicius is stepping up as the primary attacking force in the absence of star signing Kylian Mbappe, who is sidelined due to a thigh injury.
The reigning European champions have maintained an impressive unbeaten streak of 14 matches in continental competitions. After a challenging opening win against Stuttgart, they are determined to build on their success in France. Last season, Vinicius had a slow start but found his rhythm in the latter half of the campaign, contributing significantly to Madrid’s historic 15th European Cup title. Despite initial challenges integrating with Mbappe this season, the duo had begun to develop a solid partnership before the injury disrupted their synergy.
Head coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed confidence in Vinicius, asserting that the forward deserves to be recognized as the world's best player. “He had a tremendous impact in the Champions League last year, scoring in the semifinal and final,” Ancelotti noted. While Mbappe has been included in the squad to face Lille, he is unlikely to play a significant role as he continues his recovery. Ancelotti emphasized that the team is accustomed to playing without Mbappe, referencing the previous season when the forward was absent.
Vinicius Junior has faced scrutiny following lackluster performances during the Copa America and World Cup 2026 qualifiers. However, Brazil’s new coach, Dorival Junior, remains optimistic about his development, stating, "We are calm and can wait for the moment when everything blossoms." Amid speculation of a lucrative offer from a Saudi Pro League club, Vinicius's focus remains on contributing to Real Madrid’s success. After a positive display against Espanyol, where he scored and assisted, Vinicius is looking to replicate that form against Lille, potentially aiding his team's pursuit of European glory while assessing his future with the club.
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