The Ballon d’Or has long been regarded as football’s ultimate individual accolade, symbolizing the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Yet, the outcome of this year’s Ballon d’Or award left Real Madrid reeling. After the club’s crushing loss in El Clasico, Real Madrid anticipated some redemption as Vinicius Jr. was widely expected to be crowned the best in the world.
However, the shocking decision that saw Manchester City’s Rodri take the prize instead of the Brazilian winger spurred disbelief, disappointment, and anger within the Real Madrid ranks. This article delves into how the club and its star player handled this unexpected turn of events, sparking a larger debate on the Ballon d’Or selection process.
A Disrupted Plan: Real Madrid’s Abrupt Decision Not to Attend
Within hours of the Ballon d’Or announcement, the Real Madrid hierarchy made a bold decision to cancel their trip to Paris, a move spurred by learning that Vinicius Jr. was not the recipient of the award. Earlier in the week, confidence was high among club officials, with sources close to the team suggesting that the club had planned an entourage of close to 50 individuals, including family, friends, and staff, who had traveled from as far as Brazil to witness what many saw as Vinicius Jr.’s moment in the spotlight. However, with this news, Real Madrid officials chose to abstain from the event entirely, an unusual act of silent protest aimed at those overseeing the Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid’s Reaction and the Absence of Communication
Beyond their absence in Paris, Real Madrid’s frustration stemmed partly from a lack of clarity from France Football, the organizing body behind the award. Club officials were reportedly kept in the dark, unable to verify whether the rumors circulating around Rodri’s selection were accurate.
According to sources within the club, the silence and lack of transparency added insult to injury, prompting senior club representatives, including Emilio Butragueno, to refrain from attending the ceremony altogether. The outcome left the club feeling snubbed, especially given that the award criteria overlooked their own player, despite his role in their recent successes.
Vinicius Jr.’s Record-Setting Season and the Perplexing Snub
Many Madridistas and football analysts alike believe Vinicius Jr. had a Ballon d’Or-worthy season, given his instrumental role in Real Madrid’s achievements. His contributions were not merely statistics; they were key to Real Madrid’s Champions League victory and La Liga campaign, showcasing consistent excellence. With 11 goals across 10 Champions League matches, including the all-important final, and a further 21 goal involvements in La Liga, Vinicius had been touted as a deserving winner. Yet, despite his remarkable consistency, the award went to another, fueling questions about the criteria used for selecting the recipient.
Inside Madrid’s Distrust: Speculations About UEFA and the Super League Conflict
The controversial Ballon d’Or outcome has reignited concerns over UEFA’s influence on the voting process, with some in Madrid suggesting that lingering tensions from Real Madrid’s involvement in the European Super League might have had an indirect impact.
The suggestion that UEFA’s standing with the club could have affected the Ballon d’Or results hints at a deeper, more complex dynamic at play. Former Madrid player Clarence Seedorf echoed these sentiments, expressing his opinion that Vinicius Jr.’s performance should have earned him the award but that external factors may have come into play.
Public Reactions: Camavinga and Fans Show Support for Vinicius
Real Madrid’s players were quick to rally around their teammate, taking to social media to voice their support. Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga posted an emphatic message calling out what he described as “football politics,” reassuring Vinicius Jr. that his status as the world’s best remains undisputed, despite the award’s outcome.
FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌
— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024
My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p
Vinicius Jr. was buoyed by these shows of support, but fans were equally vocal, expressing outrage across platforms, with many arguing that the Brazilian star had been overlooked unjustly. The outpouring of backing further fueled Real Madrid’s discontent, affirming that Vinicius had earned widespread recognition, regardless of the Ballon d’Or decision.
Nike’s Prepared Celebrations Dashed
Nike, Vinicius Jr.’s primary sponsor, had anticipated his victory, going so far as to produce a custom pair of boots and arranging a celebration in Madrid to mark the momentous occasion. Yet, with the award going to another, the extensive preparations were abruptly canceled, leaving a bittersweet aftermath for the player and his supporters. This highlights the unforeseen nature of the decision, which took even close collaborators by surprise, further intensifying the disappointment felt throughout Vinicius Jr.’s camp.
What More Must Vinicius Jr. Achieve?
The question now looms large for Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid: what more must he accomplish to earn football’s highest honor? His standout performances in three major competitions, punctuated by crucial goals and playmaking, were apparently not enough to satisfy the criteria for this year’s Ballon d’Or. This perplexing outcome has sparked a call for a reevaluation of the award’s judging parameters, as many in the football community question the metrics used to determine the winner.
Eu farei 10x se for preciso. Eles não estão preparados.
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 28, 2024
Reflecting on the Ballon d’Or’s Credibility
The Ballon d’Or’s choice this year has undeniably sent ripples through the football world. For Vinicius Jr., the shock and frustration are palpable, underscoring the challenges players face in securing this elusive title. Real Madrid’s response—its officials, players, and fans united in their disappointment—reflects a sentiment echoed across the club’s global support base. As questions arise about the future of the award and its voting mechanisms, Vinicius Jr. may find his snub becomes a rallying point, urging transparency and fairness for football’s highest individual accolades. For now, however, the Brazilian talent can take solace in the unwavering support of his club, teammates, and fans worldwide.
How old is Vinicius Jr.?
24
