WATCH: Barcelona fans mock Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr with chant following Ballon d'Or snub ahead of Espanyol clash
Barcelona fans mocked Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr after his Ballon d'Or snub in the build-up to their LaLiga match against cross-town rivals Espanyol on Sunday, November 3. The Brazilian forward was tipped as the favorite to win the individual award but lost out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
La Blaugrana fans, sharing no sympathy for the Los Blancos star, teased the forward for missing out on the prize. They chanted:
"Vini Balon de Paya." (which translates to "Vini Beach ball")
Here is the video:
The Real Madrid forward was phenomenal for his side in the 2023-24 season, leading the Spanish giants to LaLiga and UEFA Champions League glory with 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games.
The entire Real Madrid delegation decided to boycott the Ballon d'Or award ceremony after reports emerged that Rodri would win the award over Vinicius. After Rodri received the award at the ceremony, Vinicius put out a defiant post on social media, writing:
"I'll do it 10 times if I have to. They're not ready."
"I was not surprised that Vinicius did not win, he was very even with Rodri" - Barcelona star on Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or snub
Barcelona centre-back Pau Curbasi has shared his opinion on Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or snub. The young defender claimed he was not surprised that the Brazilian winger missed out on the prize, given how evenly matched he was with eventual winner Rodri.
Vinicius claimed the LaLiga crown and UEFA Champions League in the period in consideration, while the Spaniard won the Premier League and Euro 2024.
Speaking in a recent interview with RAC1, Cubarsi said (via 90min):
"I was not surprised that Vinicius did not win, he was very even with Rodri, Being among the top 10 or top 20 of the Ballon d'Or is already a good prize and it is important for a footballer to be there."
Vinicius Jr has continued his fine run of form for Real Madrid this season, bagging eight goals and seven assists in 15 games across competitions. He will hope he can claim the prize next year after suffering disappointment in this year's edition.