The world of football was rife with shock and disappointment following the recent Ballon d’Or announcement, where Brazilian sensation Vinicius Jr. was unexpectedly outdone by Spain’s Rodri, a midfielder renowned for his role in securing Euro 2024 glory.
While Vinicius was heralded as a frontrunner for the prestigious accolade, the announcement ignited a wave of support from both former and current teammates, as well as football legends who believe the young forward deserved greater recognition for his extraordinary contributions.
A Surprise Turn of Events
On the evening of October 28, the football community was abuzz with reactions to the unexpected outcome of the Ballon d’Or. Fans and analysts alike had anticipated that Vinicius Jr.’s phenomenal season would culminate in his crowning as the best player in the world. Following his impressive performances that propelled Real Madrid to the Champions League title, many viewed him as the clear favorite. The surprising announcement of Rodri as the winner prompted an outpouring of support for Vinicius from across the footballing landscape.
French legend Zinedine Zidane, who knows a thing or two about Ballon d’Or glory, expressed his astonishment at the results. In an interview with DAZN, Zidane remarked, “The winner is not always the one who truly deserves it.” He further emphasized Vinicius’s remarkable season, stating, “If we look at the performances over the season, Vinicius Jr. was outstanding. He deserves recognition for all his hard work and talent.” Zidane, who has coached Vinicius at Real Madrid, noted that “the winner may not be the one who truly deserves it,” citing the award’s perceived loss of credibility in 2018 when Cristiano Ronaldo failed to win.
Teammates Rally Together
The camaraderie among Vinicius Jr.’s teammates was evident in the days following the announcement. German midfielder Toni Kroos, who recently left Real Madrid, took to social media to share moments with Vinicius, captioning the post with a simple yet powerful message: “The best.” This public endorsement resonated with fans and showcased the strong bond between the players.
🤍 JUNTOS 🤍 pic.twitter.com/PZQc5hyOtN
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 29, 2024
Karim Benzema, a former teammate now at Al-Ittihad, expressed his admiration through social media stories, describing Vinicius as “very strong.” Eder Militão, who plays alongside Vinicius at both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team, praised his fellow player’s spirit, declaring, “You are the best, and no one can take that away from you.” The heartfelt messages were a testament to the unity within the squad, as they all recognized Vinicius’s contributions to the team.
Lucas Paquetá also shared his sentiments on Instagram, stating, “Just so you know, I’m proud to call you my friend, I admire you, and I cheer for you more than any of my own victories.” This statement exemplified the personal connections that transcend mere competition, highlighting the supportive relationships within the sport.
Voices of Encouragement
The chorus of support didn’t end there. Aurélien Tchouaméni, a fellow midfielder at Real Madrid, voiced his unwavering belief in Vinicius, affirming, “Nothing will diminish what you have achieved, my brother. We all know. They are not ready for what you are going to deliver.” This sentiment echoed through the football community, as many believe that Vinicius’s time will come.
Despite the disappointment of the Ballon d’Or, the support from his peers reinforces the notion that recognition is not solely measured by awards. Vinicius Jr. finished as the runner-up for the coveted accolade, awarded by France Football to the top player worldwide, but the loyalty and admiration from his teammates overshadowed the loss.
The Legacy Continues
Vinicius Jr.’s journey in football is just beginning, and while his defeat in the Ballon d’Or race may feel like a setback, the backing he has received from influential figures like Zidane and his teammates will undoubtedly fuel his ambition. As Brazil continues to seek a Ballon d’Or winner, now stretching an 18-year gap since the last triumph, Vinicius stands as a beacon of hope for the nation.
In a time when football is filled with uncertainty and shifting loyalties, Vinicius Jr. remains a beloved figure within the sport. With the weight of expectations on his shoulders, he continues to inspire not just his teammates but also countless fans around the globe, proving that while awards may come and go, true talent and character endure.
Read More: Was Vinicius Jr. Robbed of the Ballon d’Or 2024? Real Madrid’s Disappointment and Outcry
