Vinicius was considered the favorite to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or throughout October. However, the day before the awards ceremony, rumors suggested the Real Madrid star was set to miss out on the prestigious prize, with Rodri, who had been a key part of Manchester City, ultimately winning the Grail. This prompted the entire Los Blancos entourage to cancel their trip to Paris in protest against the Brazilian not winning the award.
Vinicius won the FIFA Best Player of the Year award a month later, and also received the Player of the Year award at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards. Real Madrid legend Ronaldo also received the ‘Best Player in the Middle East’ award » during the ceremony and spoke out against the fact that Vinicius was refused ”
unfairly » the Ballon d’Or. The Portuguese captain also added that the Globe Soccer Awards, which his agent Jorge Mendes partly owns, are fairer than the most prestigious award in football history.
Ronaldo defends Vinicius
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo said: “ In my opinion, he (Vinicius) deserved to win the Ballon d’Or.
“It was unfair in my opinion. I say it here in front of everyone. They give it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.
“You know, these galas, they always do the same thing. That’s why I like the Globe Soccer Awards, they’re honest. »
