Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has heaped praise on his idol Cristiano Ronaldo in response to a video showing all 140 of the Portuguese icon’s Champions League goals.
Ronaldo left Europe in December and joined Saudi Professional League giant Al Nasr. However, his exploits in Europe’s elite club competition will live on.
The 38-year-old won the competition five times, becoming the first player to achieve the feat. Additionally, he is a goalscoring machine in the Champions League, scoring 140 goals in 183 games, the most of any player. He also provided 48 assists for Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus in the game.
Vinicius heard a video that went viral on X (formerly Twitter) showing Cristiano Ronaldo in all his glory in the Champions League. I have replied:
“Obsessed with goals!! CR7 animals!!! Yes.”
The Brazilian superstar has long admired five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo. Vinicius expressed how the Portugal legend inspires him (via Marca ):
“I am inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo because I watched all his games and he marked an era at the club. He is my idol.”
Vinicius never got the chance to play alongside Ronaldo at the Bernabeu. The Portuguese hero left Real Madrid in 2018, the same year the former Palmeiras star arrived.
However, he is following in the footsteps of his heroes, delivering an inspired performance for Los Merengues. Vinicius scored 62 goals and 65 assists in 232 games, including 16 goals and 17 assists in 47 Champions League games.
Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Real Madrid, but not as a player
Real Madrid could be preparing to bring Cristiano Ronaldo back to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to a report in El Nacional. The La Liga giants could offer their all-time top scorer the role of ambassador.
Ronaldo now plays for Al-Nassr and has impressed in the Saudi Professional League. He has scored 11 goals and provided 6 assists in 11 games this season.
However, he could be reunited with Real Madrid once the legendary striker ends his career. He signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Alami in January after mutually agreeing to terminate his contract with Manchester United.
Ronaldo’s contract with Al Nasr expires in 2025, and speculation is growing about his future after that. The Portugal captain trained at Real Madrid’s Valdebebas before moving to Saudi Arabia to ensure he was still in top form.