Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr links up with Rihanna and NBA star Victor Wembanyama during 24-hr New York trip

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior met Rihanna and NBA ace Victor Wembanyama during his recent trip to New York, according to GOAL. The Brazilian began his holidays by spending time with WNBA star Angel Reece in Miami.

Vinicius then attended the NBA's iconic Christmas game at Maddison Square Garden, watching the New York Knicks in action from pitchside. The 24-year-old continued his eventful 24 hours after the game, meeting Rihanna and posing for a photograph which broke the internet.

Vinicius also exchanged jerseys with Knicks' Joe Hart and clicked a picture with NBA's emerging talent Wembanyama. The Real Madrid superstar also met Basketball legend Carmelo Anthony.

With Spanish football entering the winter break, the Brazilian is using the opportunity to recharge ahead of the second half of the season. Vinicius has been in superb form once again for Los Blancos this season, registering 13 goals and nine assists from 20 games across competitions.

He was indispensable for the LaLiga giants last season, helping them secure the league, the Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana. The Brazilian ended the campaign with 25 goals and 12 assists from 40 games.

But it wasn't enough for him to win the Ballon d'Or this year, with Vinicius finishing second behind Manchester City's Rodri in the race. However, the Real Madrid man pipped the Spanish midfielder to FIFA's The Best Men's Player of the Year Award earlier this month.

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Will Real Madrid sign a new defender in 2025?

Real Madrid could be tempted to sign a new defender in 2025 following a string of injuries at the back. Los Blancos are missing both Eder Militao and David Alaba due to ACL injuries.

While Militao is out for the rest of the campaign, Alaba is likely to return to action next week. However, there remain concerns about the Austrian's long-term fitness.

Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti has had to deploy Aurelien Tchouameni at the back in recent times, while young defender Raul Asencio has been used as well. The LaLiga giants are reportedly planning to reinforce their backline next year.

Recent reports from GOAL have suggested that Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen has popped up on Real Madrid's radar. The 19-year-old left Juventus this summer to move to the Vitality Stadium and has done well so far.

Huijsen has registered 13 appearances across competitions, eight of which have been starts. His contract with the Cherries expires in 2030.