The glitz and glamour of the Ballon d’Or, soccer’s most prestigious individual prize, has been overshadowed by a storm of controversy. Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary striker who has lifted the golden ball a record-equaling five times, has boldly claimed that Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior was robbed of the 2024 award.
Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, where he himself was honored as the Best Middle East Player, Ronaldo did not mince his words. “In my opinion, he [Vinícius] deserved to win the golden ball,” the Portuguese icon declared. “It was unfair in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody.”
The surprise winner, Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri, did not escape Ronaldo’s critique. While acknowledging Rodri’s merits, the veteran forward was adamant that Vinícius’ exploits, particularly his Champions League-winning heroics, made him the rightful recipient.
They give it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinícius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.
– Cristiano Ronaldo on the Ballon d’Or decision
Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Boycott
Ronaldo’s sentiments echoed the frustration felt within the Real Madrid camp. The Spanish giants staged a high-profile boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, with Vinícius and his teammates conspicuously absent from the star-studded affair hosted by France Football magazine.
The 22-year-old Brazilian, who has dazzled fans with his samba-style skills and clinical finishing, was widely tipped as a frontrunner for the award. His scintillating form propelled Real Madrid to their 14th European Cup triumph, with Vinícius netting the decisive goal in the final against Liverpool.
FIFA’s The Best: A Consolation Prize?
While the Ballon d’Or snub left a bitter taste, Vinícius did not end the year empty-handed. He was crowned FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player for 2024 earlier this month, a testament to his undeniable impact on the global stage.
However, for many in the football world, including Ronaldo, this felt like a mere consolation prize. The Ballon d’Or, with its rich history and unparalleled prestige, remains the ultimate individual accolade that every player dreams of winning.
Ronaldo’s Swipe at France Football
Ronaldo, who has had his fair share of Ballon d’Or glory and heartbreak, took aim at the award’s organizers, France Football magazine. “You know these galas, they always do the same thing,” he quipped, hinting at a perceived bias or inconsistency in their selection process.
The Portuguese superstar’s comments have reignited the debate around the Ballon d’Or’s credibility and the criteria used to determine the winner. Many have long argued that the award favors players from certain leagues and clubs, often overlooking standout performers from other parts of the world.
A Crack in the Ballon d’Or’s Golden Facade?
Ronaldo’s public backing of Vinícius and his scathing criticism of the Ballon d’Or decision could mark a significant turning point. When a player of his stature and influence openly questions the integrity of the award, it carries weight and invites further scrutiny.
As the dust settles on another contentious Ballon d’Or ceremony, the football world is left pondering the future of the award and its place in the modern game. Will France Football heed the growing chorus of discontent and re-evaluate their selection process? Or will the golden ball continue to shine, even as its luster is tarnished by controversy?
One thing is certain: Vinícius Júnior’s star is on the rise, and his talents will not be defined by any single accolade. With the support of legends like Ronaldo and the adoration of fans worldwide, the young Brazilian is poised to etch his name in football folklore, with or without the Ballon d’Or’s validation.
