In the 2024 Ballon d'Or race, Vinicius finished second, trailing Rodri by just 3.6% of the votes. After learning the Brazilian forward did not win the award, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony.

When Manchester City faced Real Madrid at the Etihad Stadium in 2/2025, home fans displayed a sarcastic banner featuring the Oasis song title "Stop Crying Your Heart Out," along with an image of Rodri kissing the 2024 Ballon d'Or. This was created by "We Are 1984," Manchester City's largest fan group. The banner advised Real Madrid members to stop complaining about Vinicius's loss to Rodri in the individual award race from France Football magazine.

Manchester City fans display a mocking banner targeting Vinicius at the Etihad Stadium on 11/2/2025. *Sky Sports*.

In the rematch at the Etihad on 17/3, Vinicius shined with a brace, helping Real Madrid defeat Manchester City 2-1 and advance to the quarterfinals with a 5-1 aggregate score. After scoring the opening goal, the Brazilian forward gestured "4-0" towards the stands, indicating Real Madrid's aggregate lead at that moment. He also performed other provocative actions, including posing by the corner flag and making a prolonged "crying" gesture with both hands.

After the match, Vinicius directly stated that these goal celebrations were a response to the mocking banner from the previous season. "Football always offers a second chance. We won here and advanced to the quarterfinals", the 25-year-old forward added.

The turning point came in the 20th minute when Bernardo Silva received a direct red card for handling Vinicius's shot inside the box. Real Madrid was awarded a penalty, and Vinicius converted it to open the scoring.

The Brazilian forward revealed he wanted Federico Valverde to take the penalty, having missed one himself in the first leg at Bernabeu. "I wanted Valverde to take the penalty last week, but he refused, and I missed. Today I offered again, but he showed confidence in me as captain, and I scored to help the team", Vinicius stated.

In this match, Vinicius had 7 shots, with 3 on target, achieving an expected goals (xG) rating of 2.58. One of his goals was disallowed for offside. He was voted man of the match.

"This was an important match for our confidence", the Real Madrid star added. "Since the start of the season, the team has played many good games, but we haven't always had as much control as in this series of matches. We clearly understand what needs to be done: to work hard and seize opportunities, even though I missed quite a few chances".

Vinicius's celebrations during Real Madrid's 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the Champions League round of 16 second leg at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester on 17/3. *ESPN*.

The only blemish in Real Madrid's victory was goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois making way for Andriy Lunin after halftime. However, coach Alvaro Arbeloa reassured that this was merely a precaution before the derby against Atletico Madrid in the 29th round of La Liga on 22/3.

Real Madrid's next Champions League opponent will likely be Bayern Munich, who defeated Atalanta 6-1 in the first leg of the round of 16 away from home and will play the second leg at Allianz Arena today.

Hong Duy (according to ESPN, Realmadrid.com)