The FIFA Best Awards on Monday brought with it an array of storylines, especially for those in Real Madrid colours. The Merengues were harshly done at the awards, with their UEFA Champions League exploits grossly overlooked and stars left unrecognised.

While the World Cup was certainly the biggest event of the year, many feel that at least one of Thibaut Courtois, Karim Benzema, and Carlo Ancelotti should have been honoured with the title of ‘The Best.’

However, the most shocking part of the ceremony, undeniably, was when Vinicius Jr was not named a part of the FIFPro World’s Best XI on the night. The youngster had recorded the most complete season of his career in 2021-22, and his exclusion was inexcusable.

According to reports from ABC (h/t Madrid Xtra), Carlo Ancelotti has sent a special message to the Brazilian winger after his shocking treatment and encouraged him to keep pushing on and shutting his haters.

“You deserved to be there. We all know it. Now it’s time for you to show it once again, starting with Barcelona.”

Fresh from the wounds of the ceremony in Paris, Vinicius will return to action on Thursday night in a special Clasico at home. Needless to say, the youngster will be fired up and hungry to prove his worth.

While the youngster was not present in Paris from the event, his name did come up during the proceedings when former teammate Casemiro opted to speak up for the Brazilian in front of the world.

The Brazilian midfielder brought up the topic of anti-racism and reignited unity against the atrocity, saying (h/t Madrid Zone): “We have to stop with this now (the insults & racism against Vinícius) La Liga has to do something, because this is very serious.”