Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Madrid players back Vini. Jr after Ballon D'Or snub

Written by 
Published in Soccer
Tuesday, 29 October 2024 03:51

Vinícius Júnior's Real Madrid and Brazil teammates have backed the star forward after he lost out to Manchester City's Rodri in the race to win the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or.

Vinícius, 24, had been widely expected to win the award on Monday, but finished second behind Rodri, with Jude Bellingham finishing third, Dani Carvajal fourth, and Erling Haaland fifth.

Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony organised by France Football and UEFA, with none of the club's nominees for the various prizes -- Vinícius, Bellingham, Carvajal, Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, Andriy Lunin, Arda Güler and coach Carlo Ancelotti -- or club officials attending the event in protest.

A club source told ESPN the result was "unfair" and "shameful," calling it "a historic robbery."

Vinicius posted on social media later on Monday, saying "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They aren't ready."

The forward helped lead Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, scoring 24 goals in all competitions, including in the Champions League final.

A number of Vinicius' teammates with Madrid and the Brazil national team reacted to the news on Monday, offering their support to the player.

"Football politics," Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga posted on X. "My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise."

"You are the best and no one can take that away from you," Éder Militão -- who plays with Vinícius for club and country -- posted.

"Nothing will take away what you've achieved my brother," Aurélien Tchouaméni said. "We ALL know ... They are not ready for what you're gonna deliver."

While Vinicius excelled for Madrid last season, he had a more difficult time at the Copa América with Brazil, scoring just twice -- in a 4-1 win over Paraguay -- as they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.

"Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country winning an award for the best in the world after so long," Brazil forward Richarlison posted on Instagram.

"Unfortunately, due to criteria that no one can understand, the award did not come. And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player, who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning this Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and the only thing that lost today was football."

A Brazilian has not won the award since Kaká in 2007, with Neymar finishing third in 2015 and 2017.

"I waited a whole year to see Vini Junior deservedly be recognised as the current best player," Brazil legend Marta said, in an angry video posted on Instagram. "And now you tell me that they are not giving him the Ballon d'Or to him? What Ballon d'Or is that!"

"I admire you and root for you more than any victory of mine," West Ham and Brazil midfielder Lucas Paquetá posted on Instagram. "I admire your story and the person you have become! You are the best! even if they say otherwise!"

Read 87 times

Soccer

The Champions League race so intense it's sure to last to the Premier League's final day

The Champions League race so intense it's sure to last to the Premier League's final day

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsLONDON -- Five teams, each with five games to play, and three Champ...

Antony goal helps keep Betis' UCL 'dreams' alive

Antony goal helps keep Betis' UCL 'dreams' alive

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Betis scored three goals in a first-half blitz to beat Girona...

Wrexham edge closer to promotion with key win

Wrexham edge closer to promotion with key win

James McLean scored Wrexham's opener against Blackpool.Wrexham climbed back into the automatic promo...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Redick calls Lakers' practice best 'in months'

Redick calls Lakers' practice best 'in months'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsEL SEGUNDO, Calif. -- Los Angeles Lakers coach JJ Redick said Monda...

Harrison: Didn't know fans' level of love for Luka

Harrison: Didn't know fans' level of love for Luka

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsDALLAS -- Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison says he miscalcul...

Baseball

Cubs add relief option, acquire Pomeranz from M's

Cubs add relief option, acquire Pomeranz from M's

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs acquired Drew Pomeranz from the Seattle...

Guardians DFA former 1st-round pick McKenzie

Guardians DFA former 1st-round pick McKenzie

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsCLEVELAND -- Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie, who has been plagu...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated