Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior reveals Ronaldo advice that has inspired his career

As Gatorade ambassador Vinicius Junior prepares for a fascinating FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final, he has revealed the advice from a former ​Real Madrid teammate that has inspired his incredible raise to stardom.

On Saturday, the Spanish giants face Borussia Dortmund in a repeat of the 2024 Champions League final, a match sealed by Vinicius Junior's 83rd-minute strike to give Real Madrid a 2-0 win.

After a disappointing domestic season, the Los Blancos fans will be hoping Junior and his teammates can recapture that 2023/24 form for the reminder of the Club World Cup campaign in a bid to be crowned the best club team on the planet.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Vinicius Jr has also been sharing his wisdom with the next generation of players.

Recently, he sat down with Gatorade's 5v5 participants to discuss the real-life lessons you can take from football, emphasising the importance of finding joy in participation rather than solely focusing on winning.

The Brazilian winger stressed that while victories are important, the love for the game and the personal growth that comes from playing should always remain at the forefront.

Since 2016, the Gatorade 5v5 Tournament has prioritised youth participation, fun, and enjoyment over everything else. While competing teams understand that a spot at the Champions League final is at stake, that high-stakes prize isn't what drives the initiative's core mission.

The tournament forms part of Gatorade's Fuel Tomorrow initiative, which has committed to ensuring 2.5 million teens benefit from the life-changing power of sport by 2030. Their mission centres on keeping teens engaged in the game.

Vini Jr has been joined by the likes of Cesc Fabregas and Cafu to inspire the younger generations and during his conversations, and he revealed one of the keys to his success has been listening to the advice of football great Cristiano Ronaldo.

He said: "About the advice, my coaches have always told me to follow my personality. I might end up making a lot of mistakes in the game but I have to keep trying, to speed up, always telling myself that I have to keep trying.

"At some point the opponent will get tired and I will be able to help the team.

"I also always remember the advice Ronaldo gave me. He always told me that scoring a goal was very easy but I never believed it. But then I thought about it and it gave me tranquillity in match.

"All the experience he had really rubbed off on me. He said  when it comes to one-on-one with the goalkeeper it is the easiest moment of the game. As time goes by it has confirmed this for me too and makes my finishing so much easier." 

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