After Real Madrid’s fine 5-2 victory over Borussia Dortmund yesterday on the third day of the Champions League at the Santiago Bernabéu, Emilio Butragueno, the club’s director of institutional relations, made a statement about Vinicius Jr that could well sting Kylian Mbappe.

Real Madrid created a sensation on Tuesday evening when they came from two goals down to beat Borussia Dortmund 5-2 in style. Trailing 0-2 at half-time, Carlo Ancelotti’s men came back from the break transformed to produce another historic performance at the Bernabeu.

Although Kylian Mbappe was altruistic and collective with an assist for Antonio Rüdiger and a contribution to Vinicius Jr’s equaliser, it was Real Madrid’s No7 who was the star of the evening. The Auriverde silenced the critics with a hat-trick in the second half, just a few days away from the 2024 Golden Ball.

Naturally, Vinicius Jr’s performance was hailed by the football world. Once again, they were unanimous in their praise for the Auriverde. Carlo Ancelotti, Karim Benzema, Thierry Henry and Rio Ferdinand, among others, were all surprised by the Flamengo-trained player’s XXL performance.

Vinicius Jr compared to Pele after Real Madrid – Dortmund

After Real Madrid’s comfortable 5-2 victory, Emilio Butragueno, Director of Institutional Relations for the Casa Blanca club, shared his enthusiasm on RMTV. Known for his accurate analyses, the former Real Madrid legend reminded us just how much the Bernabéu remains a mythical venue in European football, capable of transforming the atmosphere of a match, even in the most desperate of situations.

“It’s happened again. There’s something very special about the Bernabéu. Our players, our fans and our rivals know it. Once again, in very unfavourable circumstances, with a score of 0-2 at half-time against a great team like Dortmund, the team has shown its greatness,” he began. The visibly euphoric legend even took the liberty of comparing Vinicius Jr, who played a key role in Real Madrid’s victory, to King Pele, to everyone’s surprise.

“In the second half, we gave a good account of ourselves, playing well and being solid in the duels. The team remained calm and effective going forward. After we scored the first goal, the stadium burst into flames. The electric energy that the Bernabéu produces carried the team to a quick equaliser, and from then on it was clear that we had the maturity to turn the match around. Vinícius scored some impressive goals. His third goal, in particular, reminded me of Pelé because of the way he came into the box and his feint. It was a real exhibition on his part, as he took responsibility at the most complicated moments of the match. There’s no longer any doubt that he’s a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or,” he added.

An exit to offend Kylian Mbappe?

Having put everyone in agreement for almost 9 years, Kylian Mbappe has been elevated to the rank of Pele’s successor. The Brazilian legend himself confirmed the similarities when they met before his death, such is Kylian Mbappe’s extraordinary ability.

King Pele is not the only football icon to compare Kylian Mbappe to himself. A few years ago, Arsène Wenger set France ablaze with his comments about the Bondynois, who was unanimously praised. “From the start, I’ve said that he’s the new Pele. I’ve been laughed at. I’m an admirer of this young player who has talent, intelligence and maturity. If he isn’t hampered by one or more injuries, then he’ll win the Ballon d’Or, that’s obvious,” said the former Arsenal Gunners coach.

Kylian Mbappe is probably not the footballer he once was. Since signing for Real Madrid, the French international has struggled to establish himself in attack for the Casa Blanca club, despite being the top scorer. Seeing Vinicius Jr attract all the attention after an epic night in the Champions League, and especially hearing one of the club’s legends and directors compare Vinicius Jr to Pele, when he was the player designated by Pele himself as his heir, could well offend the captain of the French team.