Real Madrid and Brazil stars backed their teammate Vinicius Junior after he lost to Manchester City’s Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race.
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“Historic robbery”
The 24-year-old was expected to take home the Ballon d’Or trophy, but only finished second behind Rodri.
ESPN reported that Vinicius’ Madrid teammates boycotted the ceremony in Paris after learning that the star forward would not win the prestigious individual award.
The sports media outlet added that the result was “unfair” and “shameful,” calling it “a historic robbery.”
Viniciys helped lead Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.
Vinicius receives backing from Real Madrid, Brazil teammates
Vinicius’ Madrid and Brazil teammates offered their support to the player after he failed to win the Ballon d’Or trophy.
“Football politics,” midfielder Eduardo Camavinga posted on X. “My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise.”
“You are the best and no one can take that away from you,” Eder Militao, Vinicius’ teammate for both club and country, also posted.
“Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother,” Aurelien Tchouameni said. “We ALL know … They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.”
“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country winning an award for the best in the world after so long,” Brazil forward Richarlison posted on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, due to criteria that no one can understand, the award did not come. And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player, who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning this Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only thing that lost today was football.”
A Brazilian has not won the award since Kaka in 2007.
Neymar came closest to claiming the Ballon d’Or trophy, finishing third in both 2015 and 2017.
“I waited a whole year to see Vini Junior deservedly be recognised as the current best player,” Brazil legend Marta said, in an angry video posted on Instagram. “And now you tell me that they are not giving him the Ballon d’Or to him? What Ballon d’Or is that!”
“I admire you and root for you more than any victory of mine,” West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá posted on Instagram. “I admire your story and the person you have become! You are the best! even if they say otherwise!”
