In a resounding display of skill and determination, Real Madrid conquered the Intercontinental Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Mexico’s Pachuca. The star of the show was undoubtedly Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior, who scored one goal and assisted another in a man of the match performance. The 24-year-old phenom believes he and his Real Madrid teammates are “the chosen ones” destined to etch their names into the illustrious history of the world’s most successful club.
“The team has lived up to what history demands of them, which is winning big titles,” Vinícius declared after lifting the trophy. Real Madrid qualified for the Intercontinental Cup by virtue of winning last season’s Champions League, and they made no mistake in adding yet another piece of silverware to their overflowing cabinet.
Only the Chosen Wear the White
For Vinícius, representing Los Blancos is the highest of honors. “Not any player can wear this jersey, they don’t all get the chance to play for the best team in the world. We’re the chosen ones, it’s a unique feeling very few players have been able to enjoy.” The electric winger has certainly seized his opportunity, establishing himself as one of the brightest young talents in world football.
A Week to Remember
The Intercontinental Cup triumph capped off a dream week for Vinícius, who was named FIFA’s The Best men’s player of the year just two days prior. While he missed out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri in October, the Brazilian has not let that disappointment derail his scintillating form.
“An award in which people chose not to vote for me won’t change what I think or what my teammates tell me every day. I’m here to play for them and do my best for this jersey, the greatest in the world.”
– Vinícius Júnior
Vinícius’ one-two punch of individual brilliance and team success is a potent formula. By his own admission, he has faced skepticism and criticism since arriving at Real Madrid as a precocious teenager in 2024. But through hard work and unshakable self-belief, he has silenced the doubters and established himself as a talismanic figure.
Connection with Mbappé
Vinícius also took time to praise teammate Kylian Mbappé, who opened the scoring against Pachuca via an assist from the Brazilian. The two young superstars have forged a formidable understanding on and off the pitch.
“I’m a huge fan of his. I sent him loads of messages because I always dreamed of playing with him, he’s a fantastic player. We’ve admired each other for a long time.”
– Vinícius on Mbappé
That mutual admiration has translated into devastating performances for Real Madrid this season. The Spanish giants have already added the European Super Cup to their ever-expanding trophy haul, and currently sit third in La Liga, just one point off top spot with a game in hand.
Maintaining the Madrid Standard
For Vinícius and company, success is not just the goal – it is the expectation. Wearing the famous white shirt of Real Madrid comes with the responsibility to maintain the club’s status as the kings of Europe and beyond. It is a challenge the “chosen ones” relish.
“We always want to be at the top … we’ve been crowned the best club in the world. I hope we can keep it up for a long time to come and continue making history in these colors.”
– Vinícius on Real Madrid’s ambitions
With Vinícius in this kind of irrepressible form and a squad brimming with world-class talent, you wouldn’t bet against Real Madrid achieving their sky-high ambitions. The Intercontinental Cup is just the latest chapter in a story of sustained excellence – a story Vinícius and his fellow “chosen ones” are determined to keep writing in indelible ink.
