Vinicius Jr. will need to wait a bit longer to capture his first Ballon d’Or, despite being considered one of the top candidates.
This year’s award went to Rodri, which has stirred controversy and disappointment, especially within Real Madrid.
Although Vinicius had an outstanding season, he chose to skip the award ceremony, with Real Madrid also boycotting the event in what many see as a significant protest statement.
Some close to Vinicius believe that his outspoken stance against racism might have played a role in the voting outcome.
The Brazilian winger has become known for his vocal resistance to racial abuse and is actively supporting others, like young talent Lamine Yamal, against similar treatment.
Vinicius’s advocacy has made him a symbol in the fight against racism, even beyond rivalries in football.
His supporters feel that his activism may have impacted some voters’ opinions, though others consider this assumption to be speculative.
However, France Football, the organization behind the Ballon d’Or, emphasized that the results were solely determined by vote tallies.
Editor Vincent Garcia expressed disappointment about Real Madrid’s absence from the ceremony, explaining that Vinicius simply did not gather enough votes.
Garcia noted that with fellow Real Madrid stars like Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal also making it into the top 5, the votes may have been distributed across the club’s talented players, showcasing the team’s depth.
Garcia also commended Rodri for his accomplishments, pointing out the significance of a defensive midfielder winning the Ballon d’Or, a rare achievement in an award typically dominated by offensive players.
This victory is also a milestone for Spanish football, as it underscores the broader recognition of different roles on the field.
Full details of the voting results will be published in France Football’s November 9 issue, providing more transparency on the award distribution.
In the meantime, Vinicius has received substantial support from his fans and other players who believe he deserved the honor.
The ongoing support reflects both his on-field excellence and his growing influence off the field.
Despite the disappointment surrounding this year’s outcome, Vinicius’s advocates are hopeful he will secure the Ballon d’Or in the future, potentially as his influence in the game continues to rise and the global conversation around racism in football advances.
This award season has become a focal point for multiple narratives, not just around the Ballon d’Or title but also in addressing broader issues in the football community.
As the debates continue, many hope the spotlight on these issues will encourage progress both on and off the field.
