Real Madrid believe Los Blancos star should have won 2024 Ballon d'Or if Vinicius Jr didn't win award - Reports
According to a report by Diario AS, Real Madrid believes Dani Carvajal should have claimed the Ballon d'Or if Vinicius Jr. failed to win the prestigious award. The Los Blancos defender was one of the standout players in world football for the period this year's award takes into consideration.
The Spaniard was a vital part of the Madrid and La Roja teams that claimed the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and Euro 2024 crowns in the last season. He made 49 appearances for club and country in that time, scoring seven goals and providing six assists from right back.
Vinicus Jr was widely expected to claim the Ballon d'Or award today in France but reports suggest he missed out on the prize to Manchester City's Rodri. The reported decision baffled an unnamed Real Madrid spokesperson, who told Diario AS:
“If by criteria, Vinicius Jr is not named the winner, why is Carvajal not named the winner? He meets all criteria. Individual, team, consistency. Why didn’t Carvajal win the Ballon d'Or? If the criteria is as you say it is.”
Los Blancos will be disappointed to miss out on presenting the prize to their fans at the Santiago Bernabeu in the coming week after their disappointing 4-0 mauling at the hands of their eternal rivals Barcelona. The 15-time UEFA Champions League winners next face Valencia in the league on November 2.
Real Madrid to boycott Ballon d'Or after Vinicius Jr misses out on award
According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid are set to boycott today's Ballon d'Or awards in Paris after Vinicius Jr missed out on the prize.
The Brazilian was vital to the team that claimed the domestic and continental double last season but was unable to claim the highest individual prize in the sport as a reward for his performances.
The 24-year-old forward was imperious for his side in the last campaign, playing 39 games and bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions for his club. He also bagged two goals in three games for Brazil at Copa America this summer.
Real Madrid will be disappointed to see the talented forward miss out on the award but will hope he is in the conversation for the prize next year. The Brazilian star has continued his fine run of form this season and has bagged eight goals and seven assists in 15 games.