Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr believes he lost 2024 Ballon d'Or to Rodri due to fight against racism: Reports
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior believes he lost the 2024 Ballon d'Or award due to his efforts to fight racism. That's according to a report shared by GOAL after the Brazilian refused to grace the award ceremony after learning beforehand that he wouldn't win it.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or award winner was announced by France Football in Paris yesterday (October 28), with Manchester City midfielder Rodri beating Vinicius Junior to claim the prize. Another Real Madrid player Jude Bellingham came third in the final standings.
However, there appeared to be a twist in the way things unfolded. Vini was believed to be the frontrunner for the accolade prior to the weekend. Spanish outlet Diario Sport earlier claimed that the Brazilian would be crowned the best player in the world.
Just a day before the event, rumors emerged that the attacker wouldn't win it and Manchester City's Rodri would claim the prize. This didn't sit well with Real Madrid, who decided to boycott the ceremony as a result, with no one from the club showing up.
Shortly after Rodri was crowned, Vinicius dropped a cryptic post on his X page (formerly Twitter), writing:
"I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready."
GOAL reported earlier today (October 29) that the Brazilian feels he was denied the Ballon d'Or owing to his stance against racism. Throwing more weight behind this, the publication quoted a statement made by the player's management staff (via Reuters) which reads:
"The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system."
Meanwhile, Aston Villa and Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez won the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Barcelona youngster Lamine Yamal claimed the Kopa Trophy alongside the Blaugrana's female star Aitana Bonmati, who claimed the women's Ballon d'Or among others.
What is next for Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid following Ballon d'Or snub?
Following yesterday's setback, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid will be looking to bounce back when they return to the pitch this weekend. They suffered a 4-0 humiliation at the hands of Barcelona in the El Clasico last time out and a response is expected from the side.
Up next, the Madrid outfit will go head-to-head against Valencia in LaLiga at the Mestella Stadium on Saturday, November 2. They will then lock horns with AC Milan in the Champions League next Tuesday (November 5) before continuing their LaLiga campaign with a clash with Osasuna next weekend.
As it stands, Los Blancos occupy the second position in the Liga table with 24 points in 11 games, six behind leaders Barcelona. The side have recorded seven victories, three draws and one defeat in the Spanish top flight so far.