Jude Bellingham unhappy with Real Madrid after Ballon d'Or decision from club hierarchy: Reports
According to a report by Diario AS, Jude Bellingham is currently unhappy with the Real Madrid hierarchy over their Ballon d'Or decision. The club reportedly openly sided with his teammate, Vinicius Jr, for the award and ignored his efforts for the team in the previous season.
Bellingham was integral to the Los Blancos effort last season, playing 3644 minutes across 42 games, scoring 23 goals and providing 13 assists. His efforts for the Spanish giants in his debut season helped the team to LaLiga and UEFA Champions League glory.
Despite his efforts, particularly earlier in the season when Vini Jr was injured, Real Madrid ignored Jude Bellingham's claim for the Ballon d'Or. Los Blancos declared via a spokesperson that Dani Carvajal deserved the award if the Brazilian failed to be crowned, saying via Diario AS:
“If the award criteria do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. As this has not been the case, it is obvious that Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected.”
Bellingham secured third place in the award rankings and will be keen to reinforce his importance to the team for the campaign.
"It’s a supremacist attitude, it seems that everything should revolve around them” - LaLiga president slams Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or boycott
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has slammed Real Madrid's decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday (October 28). The Spanish giants refused to attend the gala after Vinicius Jr did not claim the award as the best player in the world.
Los Blancos were the best team in Spain and Europe last season, cantering to the league and continental double. Despite this, their star player Vinicius Jr failed to claim the accolade awarded by France Football, leading the Madrid-based club to avoid the ceremony in protest.
LaLiga president Javier Tebas was not impressed by their decision and told Mundo Deportivo (via Madrid Universal):
“The position is incomprehensible. It was a childish attitude, a hot one, call it whatever you want. Questioning France Football and an award that has been going on for many years and saying that UEFA has influenced not to give it to Vinicius is a lack of chivalry. It’s a supremacist attitude, it seems that everything should revolve around them.”
Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham came second and third, respectively, at the event while Rodri claimed the ultimate prize. Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti won the Johan Cruyff award as the best men's coach for the year. No one from the 15-time UEFA Champions League winners was available to claim their prizes.