Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or nightmare worsened as Betis mocked the Real Madrid winger after he finished 16th in the 2025 rankings. The Brazilian had once promised to win the award “ten times if needed”, but those words were brutally echoed back at him online. Now, with Xabi Alonso limiting his role, pressure is mounting on the highly-rated attacker.

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  Betis take aim at Vinicius with cheeky post

  Ousmane Dembele was crowned the 2025 Ballon d’Or winner, while Vinicius Jr dropped down to 16th, a huge fall from finishing runner-up just a year earlier. Betis wasted no time rubbing salt in the wound, posting a message that mirrored Vinicius’ infamous vow from last season: “Admin, I’ll go 10x if necessary. They’re not prepared.”

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  From runner-up to 16th: Vini’s sharp decline

  The Brazilian forward had been tipped as a future winner after firing Madrid to Champions League and La Liga glory in 2024. However, Rodri’s triumph last year and Dembele’s success this time have left him empty-handed. His dramatic slide down the rankings underlines a worrying dip in influence at club level.

• Changing role under Alonso adds pressure

  Vinicius’ status at Los Blancos has shifted under new coach Alonso. The winger has already been benched in two games this season, with the coach insisting that no player is guaranteed a starting role. Despite grabbing two goals and two assists in six appearances, his inconsistency has seen scrutiny intensify.

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  Madrid derby looms as chance for redemption

  With Levante up next and a high-stakes clash against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano to follow, Vinicius has little time to dwell on his Ballon d’Or disappointment. A strong showing in the derby could silence critics and remind everyone why he was once tipped as the future face of Los Blancos.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News