In the glittering setting of the Ballon d’Or gala 2023 in Paris, the spotlight shone brightly on Vinicius Junior, the gifted Brazilian forward. It was a night of well-deserved recognition for Vini as he took center stage.
Vini Jr. was honored with the Socrates Award, a prestigious accolade bestowed upon footballers who exhibit unwavering commitment to charity and social projects. His remarkable work with the Instituto Vini Jr. stood as a beacon of hope in Brazil, a country grappling with profound social inequality. Through innovative educational solutions, Vini’s organization aimed to bridge the educational divide and bring quality education to the underprivileged.
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With humility and gratitude, Vini Jr. accepted his award, a symbol of his dedication to making a difference. He didn’t just stop at his accomplishments on the pitch; he used his platform to address the critical issue of racism in football and society. He also declared his intention to stand against racism and support fellow players who faced it. His words were a testament to his determination to create a more inclusive and just football community.
« I’m delighted to be with everybody tonight »
💬 @vinijr after winning the Socrates Award#PrixSocrates with @peaceandsport pic.twitter.com/JRa87nHqGx
— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@ballondor) October 30, 2023
The significance of Vini’s work became even more apparent when he shared his dreams of making a positive impact on the favelas of Brazil. This award was not just a personal triumph but a victory for the countless lives he aimed to touch through his efforts.
A educação liberta e transforma. Desde os 19 anos escolhi investir nela para impactar a sociedade.
Aos 23, recebi o Prêmio Sócrates com o maior orgulho do mundo. O nosso trabalho no @institutovinijr está apenas começando. Espero voltar mais vezes para buscar outros trofeus que… pic.twitter.com/N2nScxlJ52
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 30, 2023
Other Socrates Award nominees, like Antonio Rüdiger, also pursued noble causes, with Rüdiger’s Foundation striving to assist vulnerable individuals in Sierra Leone. The esteemed list of nominees further included the likes of Alex Morgan, Asisat Oshoala, and Marcus Rashford, all individuals who, like Vini, had harnessed the power of their influence to make the world a better place.
Samba Gold 2023: Open voting!
Voting for the Samba Gold Award 2023 is now open. Choose your favorite in the men’s, women’s and under-20 categories!
