The XXXIII EFE Trophy for the best Ibero-American player was won by Real Madrid’s star player, who also named his favorite goal of the year.

The prominent sports organization awarded Vinicius Junior the prestigious XXXIII EFE Trophy for being the most outstanding Ibero-American player. This honor is for his significant contribution to Real Madrid’s season, even though it is less recognition than he has recently grown accustomed to. He has an excellent record of double-digit goals and assists.

Vinicius rewarded for Madrid’s magic

Vinicius accepted the honor during a ceremony conducted at Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas before joining the Brazilian national squad for two exhibition games against Guinea and Senegal. This honor meant a lot to the young football player as Real Madrid’s season drew to an end.

“This award holds immense significance for me, as it places me among the great players who have previously received this honor,” Vinicius said in his thank-you speech. I consider it of the utmost importance to be in their presence. I want to keep playing at this level for the rest of this season and my entire tenure at Real Madrid. I always try to perform at my highest level, so being around such outstanding players is essential for my ongoing development.

He joins previous Brazilian winners Romario, Ronaldo Nazario, Roberto Carlos, Rivaldo, Ronaldinho, and Casemiro in obtaining this honor.

Vinicius picks their favorite goal

Vinicius named the goal he scored against Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League semifinal as his favorite of the year when asked what it was. He joked that he didn’t usually score goals like that, with strong shots from outside the penalty area.

Because it happened in a semi-final and was an amazing strike—something I don’t typically do—the goal against Manchester City is the one he said he preferred.

Vinicius set high standards for himself when he spoke about the upcoming season, saying, “We always strive to win every possible title and continue evolving to elevate Real Madrid to the position it deserves, which is to be victorious in all competitions.”

Vinicius became the ninth member of Real Madrid to win the EFE Award for the greatest player from the Ibero-American region.