"People realized the injustice" - Brazil coach Dorival Junior outlines 'greatest prize' Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr has received since Ballon d'Or snub
Brazilian coach Dorival Junior has given his verdict on Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr missing out on the Ballon d'Or award. The 24-year-old finished second behind Manchester City's Rodri in the race for the coveted prize this year.
The Los Blancos forward was labelled as the favorite to take home the coveted prize in the build up to the award this year. Vinicius Jr. helped the LaLiga giants win the league and the Champions League last season and also lifted the Supercopa de Espana.
The Brazilian scored 24 goals and set up 11 more from 39 games across competitions for Real Madrid, but it wasn't enough for him to win the Ballon d'Or award. The decision caused a huge outcry among fans across the globe, with many feeling that the player deserved better.
Speaking recently, as cited by Madrid Xtra, Dorival Junior insisted that the respect and recognition of the people is a greater achievement for Vinicius Jr.
“Ballon d’Or? In my opinion, it’s an unfair situation. If there was a decisive, sharp and lethal athlete, whose talent was shown, it was Vini Jr. I have nothing against the winner, he stood out a lot, but Vini deserved special recognition,” said Dorival Junior.
He continued:
“Perhaps the greatest prize that Vinicius has received is the recognition and respect of his people. The great majority of the Brazilian people realized the injustice [Ballon d’Or].”
Real Madrid were absent from the award ceremony held at Theatre du Chatalet on October 28 as a protest for the decision.
Can Vinicius Jr become the ninth Real Madrid player to win the Ballon d'Or?
Vinicius Jr may have missed out on the top prize this year, but the Real Madrid man is likely to be in the mix in 2025 as well. The Brazilian has registered 12 goals and seven assists from 17 games across competitions this season. Despite the arrival of Kylian Mbappe over the summer, Vinicius has held his own at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Los Blancos have been home to multple Ballon d'Or winners in the past. Eight players have won the award 12 times in total so far. Cristiano Ronaldo lifted the coveted award for the first time with Manchester United and won it four times with Real Madrid.
Club legend Alfredo Di Stefano has won the Ballon d'Or twice, while Raymond Kopa, Luis Figo, Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, Luka Modric, and Karim Benzema have all won it once. Vinicius could join the group in 2025 if he continues his good form.