Real Madrid Brazil’s Golden Ball returns Vinicius after insult

Vinicius Junior’s Real Madrid and Brazil team-mates have backed the star striker after he lost out to Manchester City’s Rodri in the race for the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or.

Vinicius, 24, was widely expected to win the award on Monday but finished second to Rodri, with Jude Bellingham third, Dani Carvajal fourth and Erling Haaland fifth.

Real Madrid boycotted a ceremony organized by France Football and UEFA, which was not attended by any of the club’s nominees for various prizes – Vinicius, Bellingham, Carvajal, Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valverde, Andrey Lunin, Arda Guler and coach Carlo Ancelotti . or club officials attending the event to protest.

A club source told ESPN that the result was “unfair” and “disgraceful”, calling it a “historic robbery”.

Later on Monday, Vinicius wrote on social media: “I will do this 10 times if I have to. They are not ready.”

Last season, the forward helped Real Madrid win La Liga and the Champions League, scoring 24 goals in all competitions, including the Champions League final.

A number of Vinicius’ Madrid and Brazil team-mates reacted to the news on Monday, offering their support for the player.

“Football politics,” Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga wrote on X. “My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise.”

“You are the best and no one can take that away from you,” wrote Eder Militau, who plays with Vinicius for club and country.

“Nothing can take away what you have achieved, my brother,” said Aurélien Tshuameni. “We ALL know… They are not ready for what you are about to offer.”

Although Vinicius excelled for Madrid last season, he struggled at the Copa America, scoring just two goals in a 4-1 win over Paraguay as they were eliminated in the quarter-finals.

“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up with the anticipation of seeing another player from our country, after such a long time, receive the award of the best in the world,” Brazilian striker Richarlison wrote on Instagram.

“Unfortunately, due to criteria that no one can understand, the award was not given. And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be one of the best. But Vini didn’t win this Ballon d’Or, it’s a shame, and the only thing that lost today was football.”

The Brazilian has not won the award since Kaká in 2007, with Neymar finishing third in 2015 and 2017.

“I’ve been waiting a whole year to see Vini Junior deservedly crowned this year’s best player,” Brazil legend Marta said in an angry video posted on Instagram. “And now you’re telling me that he’s not getting the Ballon d’Or? What is this “Golden Ball!”

“I admire you and root for you more than any victory I’ve ever won,” West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paqueta wrote on Instagram. “I admire your story and the person you have become! You are the best! even if they say the opposite!”