Former Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the Ballon d’Or 2024 awards as ‘unfair’ for not recognizing Vinicius Jr., igniting discussions about awards in football.
Vinicius was the overwhelming favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year after the successful year he had with Real Madrid, where he played an instrumental role in the team’s triumphs. His contributions on the pitch included crucial goals and assists, showcasing his talent and hard work throughout the season. Fans and analysts alike believed that his performances warranted the highest individual accolade in football.
However, it was Manchester City midfielder Rodri who won the Golden Orb following his Premier League and UEFA Euro 2024 wins with Manchester City and Spain, respectively. Rodri’s success has brought him recognition, but the abrupt shift in focus from Vinicius has sparked significant conversations about the criteria used for such awards.
The result caused a lot of controversy, with Los Blancos even shunning the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris. This gesture symbolizes the deep dissatisfaction within the club and its supporters regarding the outcome. Furthermore, several former and current footballers have come out and stated that Vinicius deserved to win, leading to a broader discussion about fairness and meritocracy in football awards.
Joining the bandwagon now is Cristiano Ronaldo, who spoke to the media at the Globe Soccer Awards gala, where Vinicius was named the Best Forward of the Year and the Best Men’s Player of the Year. These accolades, although significant, seem overshadowed by the Ballon d’Or controversy. Ronaldo, who understands the importance of recognition in a player’s career, voiced his strong opinion on the matter.
“Vinicius Jr. should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear,” said Ronaldo, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano. His words resonate deeply with many fans who share a sentiment that the young Brazilian’s exceptional year has not been correctly acknowledged by the wider footballing authorities.
“It was unfair. This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards, they are honest,” he added, reflecting on the importance of integrity in such recognitions. Ronaldo’s endorsement of Vinicius, given his own illustrious career as a five-time Ballon d’Or award winner and as one of the greatest to ever play the game, carries significant weight and serves as validation for Vinicius’s talents.
Meanwhile, the Globe Soccer Awards gala saw Real Madrid sweep up a plethora of honours, with Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Perez, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius, and the entire team winning prizes. This success highlights the club’s continued prominence in both domestic and international football, showing that while individual awards are significant, the collective achievements of the team also deserve celebration. The contrast between Vinicius’s individual recognition at the gala and the Ballon d’Or results further underlines the complexities and challenges of awarding excellence in the world of football.
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