Clarence Seedorf criticizes UEFA for Vinícius Júnior's absence from the Ballon d'Or, suggesting tensions with Real Madrid influenced the result.
Clarence Seedorf, former Netherlands star, has thrown a wrench into the pond by suggesting tensions between
l'UEFA et Real Madrid would have contributed to Vinícius Júnior's defeat for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Although Vinícius was the favorite, ultimately it was
Rodrifrom Manchester City, who was crowned best player of the year. “Vini Jr. deserves this award. The problems between Real Madrid and UEFA should not interfere with an award that the player deserves,” Seedorf said during the ceremony.
A Ballon d'Or under pressure for Real Madrid
The situation came to a head when the Real
Madrid canceled his flight to Paris upon learning that Vinícius would not be the winner. Jude Bellingham, another key Madrid player, came third, prompting questions about the transparency of the vote. For Seedorf, UEFA and Real should avoid their differences affecting such individual distinctions, seeing this result as “a shame” for Vinícius and football.
