The determination to award the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City Spanish midfielder Rodri has sparked confusion, bitterness and disappointment amongst present and former Real Madrid gamers, who really feel runner-up Vinicius Junior was extra deserving of the honour.
In a pointed show of disapproval, no Real Madrid representatives attended the Paris ceremony after it was confirmed the coveted trophy wouldn’t go to the Brazilian ahead.
For months, the Brazilian star ahead was favored to lastly finish the Messi-Ronaldo period.
Yet, on the day of the Paris gala, stories swirled that Manchester City’s midfield maestro would seize the prize as a substitute.
Vinicius Junior himself hinted at his disagreement with the outcome: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready,” the Brazilian wrote on social media platform X.
In a press release printed by the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the membership stated, “It is clear that the Ballon d’Or does not respect Real Madrid. Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
The award, voted on by journalists in a ballot organized by France Football and the Union of European Football Associations, noticed Rodri take the highest spot, adopted by Vinicius Junior and his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga described the vote as “football politics” and wrote on X alongside a photograph of himself and Vinicius Junior: “My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise.”
Toni Kroos, who retired from Real Madrid this summer time, posted an image on Instagram with Vinicius Junior, captioning it, “the best.”
Source: www.dailysabah.com