Former Liverpool player backs Vinicius Jr despite recent form

Fabinho told MARCA he believes Vinicius Jr still has a lot to offer Real Madrid and said the winger had previously deserved the Ballon d'Or.

Fabinho, the former Liverpool midfielder, spoke to MARCA about his early years at Real Madrid and about Vinicius Jr. He recalled joining Real Madrid Castilla on a season-long loan in 2012 and making a senior-team debut in 2013, when he recorded an assist. Fabinho later moved to Monaco and then to Liverpool, and he described the club's organizational scale and the pressure of playing there. He also praised Vinicius Jr.'s achievements and said the winger still has more to offer at Real Madrid. Key points: - Fabinho said he joined Real Madrid Castilla in 2012 and made a first-team debut in 2013, earning an assist. - He recalled the move happening quickly and shared an anecdote about being woken by Jorge Mendes and José Mourinho during his arrival. - Fabinho noted he later played for Monaco and Liverpool, and that a photo with Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez attracted attention. - He told MARCA that Vinicius Jr has won the UEFA Champions League twice and that, in his view, the winger had deserved the Ballon d'Or one or two seasons ago. - Fabinho said neither Vinicius nor Real Madrid should necessarily part ways now and that Vinicius "still has a lot to offer." Summary: Fabinho voiced support for Vinicius Jr while reflecting on his own short spell at Real Madrid and on the club's environment; he praised Vinicius's achievements and ongoing potential. Undetermined at this time.