“Only football lost out today” - Who said what? Football World reacts as Vinicius Jr. misses out on 2024 Ballon d'Or to Rodri
Titans of the footballing world have reacted to Vinicius Jr. missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or on Monday (October 28). The Brazilian was hotly tipped to win the coveted award at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris but it went to Manchester City superstar midfielder Rodri. Vinicius Jr. and his clubmate Jude Bellingham made the podium finish with Rodri.
Vinicius received support from several big names in the sport, especially from Brazil and Real Madrid. Here is what some of the icons had to say (via Madrid Xtra on X):
Vinicius Jr.'s former teammate Karim Benzema posted a photo with the Brazilian on Instagram with the caption:
"TOO STRONG."
Benzema was the last Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d'Or in 2022. Meanwhile, veteran centre-back Eder Militao wrote on Facebook for the 24-year-old:
"You are the best and no one can take that away from you. The best!"
Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin drew a gold medal on Vinicius's photo with the words, 'You're the best' written on his chest. The Ukrainian goalkeeper posted this photo on his Instagram story.
Los Blancos midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni tweeted:
"Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver. Love."
His compatriot Richarlison posted a photo of him hugging Vinicius and penned his opinion in the caption of an Instagram post, as the youngster missed out on the Ballon d'Or.
"Today, all football-loving Brazilians woke up expecting to see another of our country's players winning a World Player of the Year award after so long. Unfortunately, due to criteria that nobody can understand, the award didn't come. And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best," he wrote.
"But for Vini not to win the Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and only football lost out today. I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering him on. And that day was today! You're a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy is going to change that. Keep going and never shut up! I'm with you," the Tottenham Hotspur forward added.
Vinicius Jr.'s boyhood club Flamengo supported their player, writing:
"We know who deserved it. We are proud, Vini."
Finally, the Brazilian's former Flamengo teammate Lucas Paqueta shared words of encouragement for Vinicius on Instagram. He wrote:
"Just so you know that I'm proud to say that I'm your friend, that I admire you and cheer for you more than any victory of mine! That I admire your story and the person you've become! You're the best, even if people say otherwise! I love you and we're closer than ever! Onwards and upwards."
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti won the Men's Johan Cruyff Trophy at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony for being the best manager last season. The Italian tactician thanked the club, his family, and President Florentino Perez on his Instagram story. He also expressed gratitude to Vinicius Jr. and Daniel Carvajal.
A look at Ballon d'Or nominee Vinicius Jr.'s 2023-24 season
Vinicius Jr. was a talismanic presence for Real Madrid last season, dropping match-winning performances whenever the team seemed to be in a trench. With the Brazilian in their squad, Los Blancos completed the LaLiga-Champions League double and also bagged the Supercopa de Espana in 2023-24.
He registered 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games last season. This included a 32-minute hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa de Espana final as Los Blancos won 4-1 on January 14, 2024.
However, the Brazilian shone the most in the UEFA Champions League. He recorded six goals and five assists in 10 matches, helping Los Blancos bag their record-extending 15th title. He also scored in the 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final at Wembley on June 1.