Vinicius Jr. will need to wait longer to claim his first Ballon d’Or, even though he was regarded as one of the strongest candidates for the award. This year, the honor went to Rodri, a decision that stirred controversy and disappointment, particularly within Real Madrid’s circles.
Vinicius, who had an outstanding season, decided not to attend the award ceremony, and Real Madrid also opted for a boycott, which many view as a significant protest.
Those close to Vinicius speculate that his outspoken stance against racism may have influenced the voting process. Known for his advocacy against racial abuse, especially in supporting players like Lamine Yamal, the Brazilian star has become a prominent voice on the issue, despite rivalries on the field. Some in his camp suspect that his activism might have turned certain voters against him, though others believe this is only conjecture.
In contrast, France Football maintains that the results were solely based on the vote tally without any bias. Editor Vincent Garcia voiced disappointment over Real Madrid’s absence from the ceremony, emphasizing that Vinicius simply didn’t garner enough votes to win.
Garcia noted that with Real Madrid teammates like Bellingham and Carvajal also ranking high, the club’s talent spread could have led to a division in votes among its players.
Garcia also commended Rodri, underlining his contributions as a defensive midfielder, a role that seldom receives Ballon d’Or recognition, marking a milestone for Spanish football. Full details of the voting process will be published in France Football’s November 9 issue, providing further insight into how the rankings were determined.
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