Vinicius Jr’s defeat by Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or vote continues to be debated, with Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and former FC Barcelona striker Sergio Agüero among the latest to have their say on the result. While Real Madrid were dismayed by the scenario, even refusing to attend the ceremony in Paris, Barcelona, who had just won 4-0 against their rivals in the Clasico, were in a celebratory mood as they applauded the success of Lamine Yamal and the sorrow of Vinicius.
According to Sport, Rodri’s victory was celebrated by FC Barcelona players as they slowly discovered that the Spaniard, not Vinicius, was set to win the award. Players began finding out the results before media reports of a Real Madrid boycott, and Barça trio Yamal, Dani Olmo and Pau Cubarsi, who attended the ceremony, helped confirm the rumors by sending messages on the club’s WhatsApp group regarding Vinicius’ absence.
The Catalans are delighted
Several Barça players, including Yamal, play alongside Rodri in the Spanish selection, hence their joy at his triumph. But some players were also happy to see Vinicius beaten and felt it was karma, as the Brazilian continues to make enemies within the Barca squad with every Clasico.
Vinicius will try to overcome his personal failure when Real Madrid face Valencia on Saturday. Barcelona, now six points clear in La Liga, host Espanyol a day later.
