Thus, Real Madrid will close 2024 with 5 out of 6 possible titles. “At least, we will fight to continue to win,” president Florentino Perez declared. Under him, the club won a total of 65 titles (including football and basketball).
Just 24 hours after being named Best Male Player of 2024 at the FIFA Best Awards, Vinicius Jr. proved why he is considered the best player in the world.
On the first try, Vinicius fouled – a sign that Pachuca knew they had to try to stop him at all times. But in the 37th minute, they still slowed down a beat, when Vinicius flourished as usual. Bellingham combined with Vinicius in the box, where the Brazilian artfully dribbled past the goalkeeper, and instead of scoring himself, he dug the ball back for Kaka to easily glide into the empty net.
“I didn’t know if I could be still or not, but Kylian was standing there alone…”, Vinicius shared after the match. Just like his assist at the beginning of the season – for Fede Valverde in the European Super Beast match in August – Vinicius was the one who provided the decisive link to open the scoring.
But he didn’t stop there. Besides
But he didn’t stop there. In addition to a few excellent plays, especially when he coordinated with Bellingham in the second half, Vinicius also scored from the penalty spot himself, increasing the score to 3-0. He has never missed a penalty in a Real Madrid shirt (scoring all 7 times in official matches), although before Karim Benzema left in 2023, taking penalties was not his forte. Vinicius.
With this goal, Vinicius achieved an impressive statistic: He was involved in 14 goals in 12 finals while playing for Real Madrid. More importantly, since joining the club in 2018, Vinicius has won 14 titles – more than Barcelona and Atletico Madrid combined in the same period.
Like Vinicius, just 24 hours after being named the best coach in the world, coach Carlo Ancelotti proved his class. The great Italian strategist wrote his name in Real Madrid history when he became the club’s most successful coach after a 3-0 victory over Pachuca in the Intercontinental Cup final. This title helped him increase the total number of trophies won with Real to 15, surpassing the record of legendary Miguel Muñoz.
During two periods leading the Spanish Royal team (2013–2015 and from 2021 to present), Ancelotti has conquered 3 Champions Leagues, 2 La Liga, 2 Copa del Rey, 2 Spanish Super Cups, 3 Super Cups. European Cup, 2 Club World Cups and now the Intercontinental Cup. On average, Ancelotti wins a title every 21.06 matches.
This record further strengthens Ancelotti’s position in football history, as he is also the only coach to win national championships in all 5 major European tournaments and own 5 Champions League titles – the most ever. time.
During the press conference, he recalled the moment of reuniting with Real Madrid in 2021: “I didn’t think I would return. I just called to find a contract (for Everton), then they agreed.” Speculation about his future has temporarily subsided, at least for the time being. The locker room, more than anyone else, is always on his side.
Congratulations Carlo. He completely deserves it,” Vinicius said after the match. “He gives us freedom and makes everything perfect,” captain Lucas Vazquez shared.
Ancelotti will have the opportunity to increase his achievements next January, when Real Madrid participates in the Spanish Super Cup in Saudi Arabia. They will face Mallorca in the semi-finals on January 9 before possibly meeting Barcelona or Athletic Club in the final three days later.