In a post-match moment that speaks volumes about mutual respect among top athletes, Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr sought out the jersey of Arsenal’s Declan Rice after England’s narrow loss to Brazil. Despite the defeat, Rice’s performance evidently resonated with Vinicius Jr, who made a point to obtain his counterpart’s shirt—a testament to Rice’s growing stature in international football.
The exchange, captured by England’s social media team, featured a smiling Vinicius Jr gesturing for Jude Bellingham, who then facilitated the shirt request. This act of sportsmanship underscores the significance of Rice’s contribution to the game, even as England looks to regroup and refine their strategy for the upcoming match against Belgium.
As England prepares for the European Championships in Germany, such moments of recognition are not just personal milestones but also indicators of a player’s influence on the pitch, something Gareth Southgate and the team will surely build upon in their next outing.
Declan Rice was the best player of England side in the friendly match against Brazil, with 91% accurate passes, 2 key passes, 2 tackles.