Rodri’s victory at the Ballon d’Or awards proved hugely controversial, with Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior furious at the snub – and now Cristiano Ronaldo has waded in
Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited the debate over this year’s Ballon d’Or by branding Rodri’s victory “unfair”.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was the surprise winner of the men’s award at the end of October, beating Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in the vote. Although the award is voted for by journalists from around the globe, Real kicked up a fuss, boycotting the event and suggesting the Vinicius snub was disrespectful.
The Brazilian forward contributed 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions to help Real clinch the La Liga and Champions League double last season. He did land the FIFA Best award for his efforts, but the Ballon d’Or decision is still a source of bitterness.
Ronaldo left Real way back in 2018 but is still siding with the Spanish giants. Speaking in Dubai at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was named ‘Best Middle East player of 2024’, he said: “In my opinion, he (Vinicius) deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d’Or award].
“It was unfair in my opinion. I say [it] here in front of everybody. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.”
It should be noted that Ronaldo has his own beef with the Ballon d’Or, having only racked up five wins to Lionel Messi ’s tally of eight. Ronaldo was not even on the shortlist for nominees this year and wasn’t best pleased about it.
“You know these galas, they always do the same thing,” he added about the Ballon d’Or, before proceeding to praise hosts, Globe Soccer. Vinicius, meanwhile, was able to console himself with Globe Soccer’s best men’s prize on Friday.
Asked to respond to Ronaldo’s opinion, the 24-year-old said: “Cristiano Ronaldo’s words about the Ballon d’Or? If Cristiano said I’m the best, then I am!”
In an Instagram post after collecting the FIFA Best Award, Vinicius wrote: “Yes, I am the best player in the world and I fought hard for it. They tried and still try to invalidate me, to diminish me. But they are not prepared. No one will tell me who I should fight for, how I should behave. When I was in São Gonçalo, the system didn’t care for me. I was almost swallowed.
“I won for myself, for my family. With a lot of support along the way: Flamengo, Real Madrid, Brazilian National Team, my hundreds of teammates over the years… the people who accompany me daily in my routine, those who admire me… THE BEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD.”
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