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via Reuters

via Reuters

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. seldom misses a chance to give homages to his idol, Cristiano Ronaldo. In January, when Madrid beat FC Barcelona 4-1 to lift the Spanish Super Cup, Vinicius, who scored a hat-trick, performed Ronaldo’s ‘Siuuu’ celebration. Earlier, the Brazilian made headlines by flaunting a #7 pendant in a tribute to CR7. Like the Portuguese skipper, Vini Jr. also dons a #7 jersey. Besides, the 23-year-old’s attacking exploits on Los Blancos’ left wing will undoubtedly remind one of CR7’s stellar gameplay. According to Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez, there is yet another similarity between the Brazilian and the Portuguese. Their attitude to rivals and opposition fans!

In a temper-flaring moment, Vinicius Jr. closely escaped a red card for shoving RB Leipzig’s Willi Orban by the throat in the latest UEFA Champions League tie. Meanwhile, Ronaldo would only resume Saudi League action tonight after serving a ban for obscenely taunting rival fans.

Vinicius Jr mirrors Cristiano Ronaldo’s infamous temper, hints Martinez!

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Real Madrid’s latest La Liga tie against Valencia spurred controversies. The referee blew the final whistle, just when Jude Bellingham netted what could have been Madrid’s winning goal. Besides, it is also alleged that Valencia fans once again discriminated against Vinicius Jr. In May 2023, racist chants broke Vini Jr at Valencia’s home stadium. While Josep Martinez condemned Valencia fans’ terrible gesture, he added that the Brazilian has done his part to infuriate the crowd. “The case of Vinícius is something similar to what happened with Cristiano, who liked to provoke his opponents,” (translated by DeepL) said Josep Martinez, as compiled by Ojogo.

via Reuters

However, the Spanish goalie praised Vinicius Jr., saying he also provokes rivals in the best way with his stellar performances on the field. Notably, Vinicius had scored two of Real Madrid’s goals in their controversial tie against Valencia.

Nobody ever has any doubts about Vincius Jr or Cristiano Ronaldo’s skill sets. But recurring heated incidents add infamy to their otherwise stellar career. Garnering further infamy, the duo also defends their controversial gestures.

Ronaldo and Vini Jr’s wrath on rivals and their defense

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During Al Nassr’s recent Saudi League tie against Al Shabab, the crowd that repeatedly chanted Lionel Messi’s name infuriated Cristiano Ronaldo. The 39-year-old lashed at the crowd, gesturing his hand towards his pelvic area. Subsequently, the Saudi League authorities suspended Ronaldo in the match against Al Hazm and slapped a dual fine on him. Nevertheless, the 5x-Ballon d’Or winner defended his gesture, saying such moments were common in European soccer.

READ MORE: Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘Time For Portugal is Done’ as France Legend Reveals Favorite For the 2024 Euros

Likewise, Vinicius Jr also faced flak for taunting at the FC Barcelona bench in the recent El Clasico. The 23-year-old took the criticism on the chin and said, “I am not a saint,” in response. Likewise, Vini Jr’s Champions League scuffle with Leipzig’s Orban added fuel to the notoriety.

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Do you agree with Martinez’s comments on Ronaldo and Vinicius? Tell us in the comments.

READ MORE: Despite Saudi Ban, Cristiano Ronaldo Makes a Sarcastic Gesture at Rival Fans After Al Nassr’s Loss to Al Ain in UAE