"I'll do it 10x... they're not ready" - Real Madrid ace Vinicius Jr responds after 2024 Ballon d'Or snub
After losing the Ballon d'Or, an understandably frustrated Vinicius Junior stated that he's ready to do it 10 times if he has to, also claiming that 'they're not ready'. Vinicius was one of the leading contenders before the award ceremony. However, Manchester City's Rodri was named as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Vinicius took to his X account soon after the results were announced, writing:
"I'll do it 10x if I have to, They're not ready."
Vinicius was the favorite to win the Ballon d'Or, having contributed 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions last season. As regards trophies, the Brazilian lifted the 2023-24 LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid, in addition to the Supercopa de Espana.
The controversy surrounding his fate came to light when it was reported by famed journalist Fabrizio Romano that Real Madrid would not be attending the ceremony. It also raised suspicion regarding whom the winner of the award might be.
During the Ballon d'Or ceremony, Vinicius came second in the rankings, while his teammate Jude Bellingham came in third. Several players, both past and present, consoled the Brazilian on social media after he failed to win the award.
Given his age (24), Vinicius has an excellent chance of winning the award in the coming years if he maintains consistency. He has started the ongoing campaign on fire, scoring eight goals and registering seven assists in 15 appearances across competitions for Real Madrid.
No Real Madrid player or club official attended the Ballon d'Or ceremony
Despite being nominated in different categories, there were no Real Madrid players or club officials at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris. The likes of Vinicius, Bellingham and Arda Guler were supposed to be in attendance.
Despite not attending the award ceremony, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was named manager of the year. As expected, Los Blancos won the club of the year award, having won numerous trophies last season. With two of their players finishing in the top three of the men's ranking, the European champions definitely have something to be proud of.
Real Madrid will return to action against Valencia in LaLiga on November 2. Ancelotti's men will be eager to bounce back from their 4-0 loss to bitter rivals Barcelona last weekend.