Vinicius Junior's future at Real Madrid could reportedly be under scrutiny following an unexpected snub at this year's Ballon d'Or ceremony.
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The Brazilian winger is now said to be contemplating his options after Manchester City's Rodri took the prestigious award at the gala in Paris.
According to reports from AS, Vinicius' entourage is evaluating potential pathways forward, feeling that several factors are not conducive to his development at the club.
Since arriving from Brazil at just 18 years old in 2018, Vinicius has faced a challenging journey in Spain. His initial years at the Santiago Bernabeu were marred by inconsistency, but under the guidance of Carlo Ancelotti, he blossomed into a standout performer on the world stage.
While the 24-year-old feels cherished by his coach, teammates, and club president Florentino Perez, the atmosphere changes dramatically when he plays away from home.
The talented forward has often found himself feeling vulnerable, not only due to a lack of protection from officials but also because of a barrage of racial abuse throughout his career in Spain.
These troubling experiences, combined with the recent Ballon d'Or debacle and increasing interest from Saudi Arabian clubs and the Premier League, could reportedly prompt Vinicius to explore new opportunities, especially with his contract at Real Madrid set to run until 2027.
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Vinicius' management has indicated that there is a feeling in his camp that his ongoing fight against racism may have influenced his Ballon d'Or snub. "The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system," they remarked to Reuters.
By Kurt Buckerfield
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