Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior arrived at the Globe Soccer Awards ceremony in Dubai on December 27, 2024, where he was expected to be recognized for his impressive performance with Real Madrid. However, it was Manchester City midfielder Rodri who took home the prestigious award, leaving Vinicius in second place. This decision sparked controversy, with many, including five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, expressing their belief that Vinicius was more deserving of the title.
Despite Rodri’s success in helping Manchester City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024, many felt that Vinicius’ contribution to Real Madrid’s record-extending 15th Champions League win should have been given greater consideration. Ronaldo, who played for Madrid earlier in his career, publicly stated that he believed Vinicius should have been the recipient of the golden ball. The Portuguese captain’s comments reflected the disappointment felt by many who believed that Vinicius had been unfairly overlooked.
The controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or ceremony was further heightened by Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the event. This move was seen as a protest against the perceived injustice of Vinicius not being recognized for his exceptional performance during the previous year. Despite Madrid’s absence, the ceremony continued, with Rodri being announced as the winner. The decision to award the prize to Rodri instead of Vinicius did not sit well with many fans and experts, who felt that the Brazilian forward had been unfairly snubbed.
The Ballon d’Or is one of the most prestigious awards in football, with previous winners including legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The winner of the award is determined by a jury of 100 specialist journalists, who vote on the shortlist of candidates. In recent years, there have been debates about the criteria used to determine the winner, with some critics arguing that individual awards should be based more heavily on team success, such as winning major tournaments like the Champions League.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Junior’s performance on the field has continued to impress fans and experts alike. The Brazilian forward has established himself as one of the rising stars of world football, with his pace, skill, and goal-scoring ability making him a key player for both Real Madrid and the Brazilian national team. While the Ballon d’Or may have eluded him this year, many believe that it is only a matter of time before Vinicius secures the prestigious award for himself. With his talent and determination, the young forward looks set to achieve great things in the world of football.
