"I just think he's classless" - Gary Neville blasts Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr over reaction following Ballon d'Or snub
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior's reaction following his Ballon d'Or snub has drawn criticism from Manchester United legend Gary Neville. The Brazilian was heavily tipped to win the biggest individual prize in football this year but finished second behind Rodri in the race.
Once they learned the final rankings early on Monday, Los Blancos were so furious that no representatives from the club attended the ceremony in Paris. The LaLiga giants' reaction has shocked the football world, with people generally criticizing them for a lack of sportsmanship.
NBC Sports presenter Rebecca Lowe recently spoke about the issue on Its Called Soccer. She slammed Vinicius' arrogance and insisted that he should be disqualified from the Ballon d'Or.
Responding to her, Neville also lashed out at the Real Madrid star for disrespecting Rodri.
“Vinicius Jr is a special talent, he’s amazing, he’s going to win it one day, I’m sure. But the idea that you’re trying to take the glory away and sort of pull the sort of spotlight away from a player, who is somebody who is going to be respected all around the world and a good man… I just think he’s classless I agree with you (Rebecca Lowe), completely,” said Neville.
Rodri won the Premier League and the UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City last season, registering nine goals and 14 assists in 50 games. Over the summer, he was crucial to Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, starting all but the final group-stage game, where he was serving a yellow card suspension.
Which former Ballon d'Or winner currently plays for Real Madrid?
Real Madrid already have a Ballon d'Or winner in their ranks. Luka Modric won the coveted prize in 2018, following a tremendous showing at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The Croatian powered his team to the final of the tournament at Russia, where they unfortunately came up second best against France. Modric, however, gave a fantastic account of his abilities and won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball.
The veteran midfielder also became the first player to end Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo's monopoly over the Ballon d'Or. He received 753 points, with the Portuguese securing 476 points to come second. France's Antoine Griezmann came third with 414 points.
Modric is now in the final phase of his career with Real Madrid. The 39-year-old's contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expires at the end of this season, and he hasn't signed a new deal yet.