The fallout from the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony continues to reverberate through Spanish football, with LaLiga president Javier Tebas launching a scathing attack on Real Madrid for their decision to boycott the event. The snub came after Los Blancos star Vinícius Júnior was overlooked in favor of Manchester City midfielder Rodri for the prestigious individual award.
In a candid interview with French publication L’Equipe, Tebas pulled no punches in his assessment of Real Madrid’s actions. “I am a Real Madrid fan,” the LaLiga boss began, before delivering a damning verdict on the club’s conduct.
The most important values of this club are being a gentleman and shaking hands when you lose. I think Real Madrid lost that spirit a long time ago.
Javier Tebas, LaLiga President
Tebas Questions Madrid’s Values
Tebas went on to suggest that Real Madrid should have attended the ceremony in Paris, rather than questioning the integrity of France Football’s voting system. “They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned France Football’s system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting,” he insisted, adding that “Real’s victimhood is unnecessary and exaggerated.”
The LaLiga president’s comments are sure to inflame tensions between the Spanish football authorities and the country’s most successful club. Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony was seen by many as a protest against what they perceived to be a snub of Vinícius Júnior, who enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 season.
Benzema Backs Vinícius
Former Real Madrid talisman Karim Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, has also weighed in on the controversy, expressing his disappointment at Vinícius Júnior’s omission. “When Real Madrid were European champions last season, Vinícius was decisive in every game,” Benzema told El Chiringuito. “I don’t think there is anyone else who deserves it more than him.”
The French striker, now plying his trade in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad, suggested that Vinícius Júnior’s impact on the pitch was more noticeable than that of Rodri. “I have nothing against Rodri, who is a good player,” Benzema said, “But I’m on my couch, I watch television and Rodri doesn’t do things that make me say: ‘Pffff,’ and Vinícius has done that more than once.”
A Divided Spanish Football Landscape
The Ballon d’Or controversy has once again highlighted the deep divisions within Spanish football, particularly between Real Madrid and their rivals. Tebas’ comments are likely to further strain the relationship between LaLiga and Los Blancos, who have long been at odds over a range of issues, including television rights and the proposed European Super League.
As the fallout from the 2024 Ballon d’Or continues, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid and LaLiga can find common ground and move forward in a spirit of unity. For now, however, the wounds inflicted by this latest controversy appear to be raw and deep, with Tebas’ criticism adding fuel to an already smoldering fire.
Looking to the Future
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinícius Júnior’s future remains bright. At just 23 years of age, the Brazilian winger has already established himself as one of the most exciting talents in world football, and his performances for Real Madrid suggest that he has the potential to reach even greater heights in the years to come.
Karim Benzema, for one, is convinced that his former teammate will one day claim football’s most coveted individual prize. “Yesterday I was talking to Vinícius, he is strong to work and one day he will have it [the Ballon d’Or],” Benzema revealed, adding that the young Brazilian was understandably “sad” at being overlooked this time around.
Vinícius is a good man, he will work and one day win the Ballon d’Or.
Karim Benzema, former Real Madrid striker
As the dust settles on the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, attention will inevitably turn to next year’s award. Will Vinícius Júnior’s time finally come, or will he face stiff competition from the likes of Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and other rising stars of the global game? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Brazilian’s talent, dedication, and hunger for success suggest that his moment in the spotlight is not a question of if, but when.
For now, though, the focus remains on the fallout from this year’s controversial Ballon d’Or ceremony, and the deep divisions it has exposed within Spanish football. As Javier Tebas and Real Madrid continue to trade barbs in the media, fans of the beautiful game can only hope that the wounds inflicted by this latest controversy will eventually heal, and that the sport can move forward in a spirit of unity and mutual respect.
