“Stop crying” – Manchester City fans BRUTALLY mock Vinicius Jr. with Ballon d’Or tifo as Real Madrid come to Etihad

Manchester City unfurled a tifo, which showed Rodri kissing his 2024 Ballon d'Or trophy, aiming a dig at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr.


“Stop crying” – Manchester City fans BRUTALLY mock Vinicius Jr. with Ballon d’Or tifo as Real Madrid come to Etihad

Vinicius Jr. banner at the Etihad (via X)

Manchester City fans at the Etihad Stadium brutally mocked Vinicius Jr. with a tifo, which lamented the Brazilian forward’s failure to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. The Real Madrid forward came second in the rankings, losing out to Man City midfielder Rodri.

Real Madrid faced off Manchester City in a heated UCL playoffs first-leg encounter. The Los Blancos gained a huge advantage as they managed to secure a last-gasp 3-2 victory over their rivals. While stakes were running high, the most controversial moment of the match came after a questionable tifo was unfurled by a section of home fans before kick-off.

YouTube video

The banner in question had an image of Rodri kissing his 2024 Ballon d’Or award. It carried a caption that read, “Stop Crying Your Heart Out.” It was reportedly aimed at Vinicius Jr., who missed out on the award despite being the favorite. Los Blancos president Florentino Perez was also a target after he had decided that the club would boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest.

FS Video

Nevertheless, the banner failed to affect Vinicius Jr.’s performance throughout the match as he went on to win the Most Valuable Player of the Match award. He assisted Jude Bellingham, who scored the 92nd minute winner. Speaking after the match, the 24-year-old stated that he saw the mocking banner at times. He added that it provided him strength to give his best.

Meanwhile, Rodri, who was in attendance at the Etihad, amusingly filmed the tifo on his phone. The Spaniard is currently out with an injury. Nonetheless, it would be interesting to see whether Real Madrid fans respond to the banner during the second leg.

Pep Guardiola addresses Manchester City fans’ Ballon d’Or banner aimed at Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that the Ballon d’Or banner, unfurled by a section of home fans, did not gain his attention. Man City fans mocked Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. over his 2024 Ballon d’Or snub.

Pep Guardiola Manchester City banner
Pep Guardiola responded to Manchester City fans’ banner, mocking Vinicius Jr. (via Independent)

When asked about his opinion on the pre-match banner, the Spanish manager exclaimed that he did not get to see it, as he was inside the locker room at that time. Moreover, he went on to claim that the banner motivated Vinicius Jr., who went on to help his side win the match. The Brazilian forward was crucial in Real’s second and third goals.

I didn’t see it. When they brought that out, I was inside, and I didn’t see it, and I looked for it and I didn’t see it!… Perhaps it motivated him [Vinicius Jr.]. He’s an extraordinary player.

Pep Guardiola on Man City fans’ banner (H/T Evening Standard)

Meanwhile, football pundit Jamie Carragher hit out at Man City fans for displaying the banner, claiming it to be a ‘ridiculous’ decision. He added that should have done it after the match, had Man City beaten Real Madrid.