Vinícius Should Have Won – Cristiano Ronaldo Criticises Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Victory

Cristiano Ronaldo has criticised the organisers of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, expressing disappointment over the decision to award the prestigious honour to Manchester City midfielder Rodri instead of Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner stated that Vinícius was unfairly overlooked despite his pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, where he scored the decisive goal in the final.

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“In my opinion, he [Vinícius] deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d’Or award]. It was unfair in my opinion. 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,” Ronaldo declared on stage.

Ronaldo’s remarks, captured during the event, have reignited debates surrounding the Ballon d’Or voting process, which has often faced accusations of bias.

Rodri’s Victory Sparks Controversy

Rodri’s contributions to Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season were instrumental, earning him the coveted award. However, Ronaldo’s backing of Vinícius has added fuel to the criticism of the Ballon d’Or process.

The Brazilian winger was notably absent from the October ceremony in Paris, reportedly boycotting the event alongside his Real Madrid teammates in a silent protest against the perceived injustice. Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Vinícius has been recognised with FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player award and the Globe Soccer Awards’ Best Men’s Player accolade.

Ronaldo Praises Globe Soccer Awards

While expressing discontent with France Football, the Ballon d’Or organisers, Ronaldo lauded the Globe Soccer Awards for their transparency and fairness.

“Globe Soccer does things differently, and they recognise players in a way that truly respects their contributions,” he remarked after receiving the Best Middle East Player award.

Attending the event with his partner, Georgina Rodríguez, Ronaldo reiterated his admiration for Vinícius and criticised the Ballon d’Or decision, concluding:

“Vinícius should have won the Ballon d’Or. I don’t mind saying it. It was unfair.”

Vinícius’ stellar year has been celebrated in other forums, but Ronaldo’s public support for the Brazilian winger has further highlighted the controversy surrounding the Ballon d’Or outcome.

What are your thoughts on the Ballon d’Or voting process? Let us know in the comments.