Vinícius Júnior has finally spoken out after narrowly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
The Real Madrid forward was widely considered a top contender but ultimately came in second, losing to Manchester City’s Rodri.
Vinícius and other Real Madrid representatives were absent from the ceremony due to the club’s decision to boycott.
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Vinicius reacts to 2024 Ballon d’Or snub
After Rodri received the trophy, Vinicius took to social media to make his feelings clear, issuing a bold statement to the award organisers.
He wrote:
“I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Speculation had been mounting that Vinícius might win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, especially after his instrumental role in helping Real Madrid secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles last season.
Eu farei 10x se for preciso. Eles não estão preparados.
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 28, 2024
With 24 goals and 11 assists, including decisive strikes in the Champions League knockout rounds, his contributions were pivotal. Yet, the top honour went to Rodri, who claimed both Premier League and Euros titles this year.
Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez, visibly displeased, chose to skip the ceremony, leading to no club representatives attending in Paris. As a result, Jude Bellingham, who finished third, was also absent.
This left an awkward void, with no one present to accept Real Madrid’s Club of the Year award or Carlo Ancelotti’s Coach of the Year accolade.
In their absence, Emi Martínez of Aston Villa was awarded Keeper of the Year, and Harry Kane received the Striker of the Year prize alongside Kylian Mbappé, who joined in the Real Madrid boycott.
Here is list of winners from last night ballon d’or awards ceremony..#BallonDor pic.twitter.com/ZUxI6yCaZp
— B.E.N 💫 (@EErhauyi) October 29, 2024
