Missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Junior was conspicuous by his absence during the ceremony, just like the Real Madrid delegation. Gary Neville did not spare them.
Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or during the official ceremony which took place on October 29. The Spanish midfielder beat three Real Madrid players,
Vinicius JuniorJude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Visibly upset at having failed in her quest for the trophy, two years after the victory of one of her own (Karim Benzema in 2022),
the Madrid delegation did not deign to make the trip to Paris. Enough to scold the commentators.
The 68th edition of the Ballon d'Or has barely ended, many observers have deplored the attitude of the ” White House ». The latest to speak out on the subject, Gary Neville fired in all directions. The former Manchester United player first attacked Vinicius Junior, the Madrid striker achieving the feat of making him say good things about Rodri, a player from the hated neighbor, Manchester City.
“Vinicius Junior has no class. I'm delighted that Rodri won the Ballon d'Or. He’s a player who did the job week in and week out. »
“Lack of respect and class”, according to Gary Naville
In his remarks relayed on Saturday by ASGary Neville also had acid words towards Real Madrid: “I think what Real Madrid did is a lack of respect towards Rodri (…) It seems absolutely unworthy to me. The idea of trying to take away the glory and importance of a player who is respected around the world and is a good person seems like a lack of class to me. » The «White House» clearly didn't give herself good publicity by deciding to stay home.
There were obviously many disappointments at the end of the ceremony, but Rodri for his part appreciated the recognition of the voters, he who achieved an almost perfect year 2024, whether with his Manchester City team or with the Spanish selection which he took to the roof of Europe during Euro 2024, where he finished with the award for best player in the competition.
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