Brazilian and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has given reasons why he missed winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or award said on Monday.
The playmaker, though feeling disappointed for not winning the prestigious award, said, he would keep doing what he has been doing.
According to him, I will keep on fighting racism even if the activism is what led to me not winning the Ballon d’Or, sources close to the player told Reuters.
Vinicius took to social media after finishing second in the prestigious award voting behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodriguez.
He wrote, “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius posted on X.
Following a leaked information on the winner of award, other than Vinicius, Real Madrid cancelled their plans to attend the ceremony in Paris.
When Reuters asked the his management what Vinicius meant with his post, they said he was referring to his fight against racism.
They believe it was what led to him not winning the award. “The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system,” they told Reuters.
Recall that the 24-year-old Brazil international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions in Spain. A situation that had led to at least two convictions for racist insults in pioneer cases in the country.
Though Vinicious Jnr. did not win the Ballon d’Dor, however, Real Madrid won the Men’s Club of the Year award. As well as their manager, Carlo Ancelotti who was named Men’s Coach of the Year after.
Reuters, however, reported that France Football, organizers of the Ballon d’Or awards, was not immediately available for comment on the allegations.
The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.
Reacting to the award not going the way of Viniciuos Jnr’s way, Real’s Eduardo Camavinga posted on X, “FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world. And no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro.”
Also several other Real Madrid teammates shared messages with photos of Vinicius saying “You are the best”.
“I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognized as the best player in the world. And now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him?”. That was the response of Brazilian women’s great Marta via a video on Instagram.
However, former Netherlands midfielder, Clarence Seedorf, has hinted at to why Vinicious Jnr did not win the Ballon d’Or.
According to Seedorf, that problems between UEFA and Real Madrid led to Vinicius Junior missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
Speaking at the event, Seedorf said: “Vini Jr. deserves to keep this award.
“I think problems between Real Madrid and UEFA should be kept separated from an award the player deserves.
“It’s a shame.”
Vinicius finished in second place, while his team-mate Jude Bellingham came third.
sources: NAN and Daily Post
Follow us for more news on our WhatsApp News Channels @
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U
