Real Madrid has said the decision to overlook soccer star Vinicius Jr. for the Ballon d’Or shows the organisers and UEFA “don’t respect” the team.
The Spanish outfit was hoping that one of its leading lights was going to win the prestigious award, but Rodri claimed the prize instead. As a result, Madrid boycotted the ceremony in Paris with no one connected with the club attending.
Vinicius was one of six Madrid nominees in the 30-player shortlist for the award following the club’s success in La Liga and the Champions League. Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Antonio Rudiger were all up for the Ballon d’Or but none of that six were in France – nor was manager Carlo Ancelotti or president Florentino Perez.
Madrid told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Rodri’s success is largely down to him playing a leading role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. The Manchester City star, who added another Premier League title to his CV, was voted as the tournament’s best player, but Carvajal was also part of the Spanish side.
Madrid’s claim that Vinicius’ involvement in the Copa America – coupled with him also winning the Champions League – should stand him ahead of Rodri. Vinicius was unable to add the Copa America to his European success in the summer as Brazil fell short.
The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings. Madrid has the joint most wins of any club in the accolade’s history – winning in on 12 occasions along with Spanish rival Barcelona.
Karim Benzema was Madrid’s last winner as he claimed the award in 2022. Since the turn of the millennium, Madrid has also seen Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, and the Brazilian Ronaldo claim the Golden Ball.
Rodri said after his win: “Good evening everybody, I have so many people to thank. First of all France Football and UEFA for giving me this award. To all those who voted for me. I’d like to thank the most important person in the world, my girlfriend Laura, without her things wouldn’t have been the same. My Family of course, for the values they’ve instilled in me and teaching me to become the man I am.
“I don’t want to forget my team-mates. Manchester City thank you, you’re so special, I know I wouldn’t be here without you. For me they are the best club in the world. I’d like to thank the national team and Luis (de la Fuente) for trusting me for so long. My colleagues with whom I won the Euros, Carvajal, he should’ve been here with me. Lamine, I know you’ll win this award soon.
“This is not just a victory for me, but for Spanish football. So many players who didn’t win the award, but deserved it, this is a victory of Spanish football.”
Leave a Reply