‘There’s a song that goes, ‘If you get hurt.’
It seems that’s exactly how Vinícius Júnior feels after not winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian winger is deeply hurt, and so is his club, Real Madrid. So much so that, according to Madrid-based sports daily Marca, Ballon d’Or discussions are now practically ‘banned’ at Real Madrid. As the paper puts it, ‘The Ballon d’Or is practically taboo at Real Madrid.’
The Ballon d’Or is one of football’s most prestigious individual awards. This year, it was awarded at the end of October to Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri. Upon learning that the award wouldn’t go to Vinícius, Real Madrid boycotted the Paris ceremony entirely. And even two months later, the club seems to be holding a grudge, especially with the contrasting outcome of FIFA’s The Best award.
Last week, FIFA awarded the 2024 The Best award, with Vinícius emerging as the winner. Real Madrid, who were in Qatar for the Intercontinental Cup, participated enthusiastically in the Doha ceremony. While Vinícius celebrated his victory, he also spoke out against attempts to ‘bring him down.’
According to Marca, even though Vinícius won FIFA’s The Best, he hasn’t forgotten being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or. Both the 25-year-old forward and Real Madrid have taken a definitive stance: to ignore the Ballon d’Or entirely. Directors, Vinícius, and his management team have reportedly agreed not to utter a word about the award. The goal, as Marca notes, is to create an atmosphere where ‘the Ballon d’Or doesn’t exist.’
The Ballon d’Or is awarded by the French magazine France Football, with UEFA joining as a partner this year. For the men’s award, journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries voted. In this voting process, Vinícius finished 41 points behind Rodri.
Meanwhile, FIFA’s The Best award was decided by over 200 member countries’ captains, coaches, journalists, and fans. Vinícius edged Rodri by just five points to claim the FIFA title.
