Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction with the outcome of the Ballon d’Or, claiming that Vinícius Jr. should have been the rightful winner. Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, where Vinícius Jr. took home the Best Men’s Player award, Ronaldo voiced his strong opinion, calling the decision “unfair” and reiterating his belief that it was clear Vinícius was deserving of the prestigious honour.
In a candid statement, Ronaldo praised the Globe Soccer Awards for their honesty and integrity in awarding Vinícius, further emphasizing the importance of transparency in such recognitions. The ceremony highlighted the exceptional performances of several football stars, with Vinícius also receiving the Best Forward award after a standout season at Real Madrid.
Jude Bellingham, Vinícius’ Real Madrid teammate, was named Best Midfielder and received the Maradona Award for his role in the sport’s evolution. Neymar Jr. was celebrated with the Player Career Award, while Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s young talent, earned the Best Emerging Talent accolade, showcasing the bright future ahead of him.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also honoured at the event, receiving the Top Goalscorer of All Time award, further cementing his legendary legacy in the world of football. Meanwhile, the Best Agent Award went to Jorge Mendes, and Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Coach. FC Barcelona Femení earned the Best Women’s Club award, while Aitana Bonmatí claimed the Best Women’s Player recognition.
However, the Ballon d’Or ceremony itself did not go without controversy. Despite Rodri’s notable achievements, including his crucial role in Manchester City’s Premier League title and Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, Real Madrid notably boycotted the event. The club voiced its frustration, accusing the Ballon d’Or organisers of disrespecting Vinícius Jr., whose absence from the top award left many fans and experts stunned.
While Rodri’s victory was undeniably impressive, many felt that Vinícius, following Real Madrid’s dominant La Liga and Champions League double, was the rightful favourite, sparking a debate about the criteria used in determining the winner.