The recent Ballon d’Or ceremony has sparked significant controversy, especially surrounding the absence of Vinicius Jr. and other Real Madrid players. Here are the key points to remember from this heated situation:
1. Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid’s Withdrawal: Despite being a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr. finished second to Manchester City’s Rodri. When it became apparent that Vinicius would not be receiving the award, Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony. The club’s absence was a notable snub, highlighting their frustration with the outcome.
2. Explanation from France Football: Vincent Garcia, editor-in-chief of France Football, which oversees the Ballon d’Or, provided insights into why Vinicius missed out. “Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five, which split the votes and benefited Rodri,” Garcia explained. This revealed the internal dynamics of the voting process and how multiple candidates from the same club can impact results.
3. Reaction from Real Madrid: Real Madrid president Florentino Perez was reportedly furious over the decision. Journalist Jose Luis Sanchez mentioned that a group of 50 people was set to attend the event but cancelled their plans upon learning that Vinicius would not be the winner. This reaction underscored the club’s deep disappointment and the lengths they were willing to go to express their discontent.
4. Public Outcry: Sources at the club told ESPN Brazil that they considered the snub a “historic robbery.” Marca reported that Real Madrid insiders declared, “the Ballon d’Or no longer exists for us.” These strong statements reflect the intense feelings within the club and among its supporters regarding the perceived injustice.
READ ALSO: Why Vinicius Junior Deserved the Ballon d’Or 2024
5. Official Statement from Real Madrid: Real Madrid stated to AFP expressing their dissatisfaction. “If the award criteria don’t point to Vinicius as the winner, those same criteria should indicate Carvajal as the winner. Since 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.” This statement highlights the club’s stance and the serious nature of their grievances with the award’s decision-making process.
Vinicius Jr., regarded as one of the brightest talents in modern football, had an impressive season with Real Madrid, contributing significantly to the team’s success.
His performance was widely acknowledged, yet the Ballon d’Or is known for its intense competition and subjective voting process. The voting is done by a panel of international journalists who assess various aspects of the players’ performances over the season.
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