Before the Champions League showdown between Manchester City and Real Madrid, the atmosphere was already bubbling with tension. But it wasn’t the usual pre-match chants – this time, the Citizens’ fans took things up a notch, deploying a tifo aimed squarely at Vinícius Jr. A cheeky tribute to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or with a little Oasis touch stirred the pot. Yet, as always, Vinícius’ response was as cool as his on-pitch skills.
On a chilly night in Manchester, the battle between two footballing giants, Manchester City and Real Madrid, was set to ignite. But before the first whistle, it was the fans who got the ball rolling, with a bold tifo aimed at none other than Vinícius Jr. The Brazilian winger, fresh off his second-place finish for the Ballon d’Or, had already seen enough drama for one season. Yet, little did City know, they were about to fuel his fire. While the fans might have had their fun before the match, Vinícius delivered a fiery response where it counts most, on the field.
A Tifo That Took Shots
Fans of Manchester City are known for their passionate displays, but this one was personal. As the teams warmed up for their Champions League clash, a giant banner unfurled in the stands, showing Rodri proudly holding his Ballon d’Or trophy. It wasn’t just the image that caught attention, but the accompanying message: “Stop crying your heart out”, a playful nod to the Oasis song and a direct shot at Vinícius Jr. who finished second in the Ballon d’Or race behind Rodri.
This wasn’t just about a friendly jibe at a rival player. According to the group behind the tifo, the real target was Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez. In a post-match statement, the Manchester City fan group 1894 clarified that the banner was a response to Pérez’s public complaints about the Ballon d’Or vote. The Spanish president had controversially claimed that the award should have gone to a Real Madrid player, stating that Vinícius had been robbed.
But, for Vinícius, this wasn’t just a political tiff, it was a chance to make his mark.
Vinícius Jr.’s Response: The Best Revenge is on the Field
As City fans let their banner speak for them, Vinícius kept his cool, focusing on the game ahead. His performance on the pitch? Nothing short of extraordinary.
While the Brazilian didn’t find the back of the net, he was pivotal in Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 comeback win. His two key assists helped secure the victory, with Jude Bellingham sealing the game in dramatic fashion. After the match, Vinícius shared his thoughts on the tifo with typical Brazilian flair: «I saw it, but every time the opposition fans do something like this, it gives me more strength to play a great match, and that’s exactly what I did here.»
A cheeky dig followed: «They know our story. Every time we come here, it’s always freezing when we leave.» If ever there was a response to a pre-match jibe, this was it. Vinícius had the last laugh, and it was his performance that was singing the loudest.
The Bigger Picture: A Deeper Rivalry
While the tifo was aimed at Vinícius, many believe it was Pérez who truly bore the brunt of City’s frustration. The Real Madrid president has long been critical of the Ballon d’Or process, especially after Vinícius’ narrow defeat. Pérez had famously complained that without votes from nations like Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland, Vinícius would have won the prestigious award. For City fans, this was more than just a rivalry with the player; it was a direct shot at the leadership of their European competitors.
This wasn’t the first time a tifo had stirred emotions. Football stadiums are known for their passionate, and sometimes pointed, displays of affection for their players. But this one had a bit more bite, and as we all know, Vinícius doesn’t back down from a challenge.
Tifo Wars: A Tradition of Rivalry
Football is as much about the emotion as it is about the tactics. And in the world of heated rivalries, where the stakes are high, it’s no surprise that fans often use their creativity to get under the skin of their rivals. These «tifo» moments colorful, provocative, and often hilarious are now part of the fabric of European football.
But let’s not forget: these displays are part of what makes football so special. They add a layer of intrigue, excitement, and drama before the game even begins. In the case of Manchester City’s tifo, it’s clear they wanted to make their feelings known and in doing so, they stirred the competitive fire in Vinícius Jr..
What’s Next for the Rivalry?
As the two teams prepare for the return leg of their Champions League battle, it’s safe to say that this rivalry has only just begun. Manchester City fans might have fired the first shot, but Vinícius Jr. responded with his usual flair on the pitch, where it matters most. With the next encounter on the horizon, both teams will be even more motivated, and we can expect more drama in this already electric rivalry.
Nouha Chani
Sources:
- «Vinícius Jr. reacts to Manchester City’s tifo.» Movistar (2025)
- «Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Tifo: Manchester City Fans’ Bold Statement.» 1894 (2025)
- «Florentino Pérez’s complaints about the Ballon d’Or vote.» Marca (2024)
- «Tifo Wars: A Tradition of Rivalries in Football.» BBC Sport (2023)
- Photos from: The sun, The daily Mail.
