Ballon d'Or, the new controversy

The Golden Ball has taken a hit again this year, already discredited in the eyes of some in the past for having prolonged the reign of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for too long. In this 2024 edition, Vinicius Jr was undoubtedly the favorite of the general public, with such odds that Real Madrid had largely anticipated his coronation. Only the merengue party turned sour.

During the weekend preceding the verdict, the President of the White House Florentino Pérez understood that his protégé would not be consecrated, and that the prestigious golden sphere would go to Rodri, author of an exceptional season with Manchester City. and the Spanish selection.
The Madrid delegation therefore canceled its trip to Parissulking a ceremony which however honored Real as the best club of the year and distinguished Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappé as best coach and top scorer (tied with Harry Kane, present at the Théâtre du Châtelet for his part ).

“Sometimes these rewards are unfair”

« I will do ten times more if necessary. They are not ready », reacted Vinicius to the officialization of the news. However, the Brazilian is not the only candidate disappointed, even frustrated, with the judgment of the votes. In turn, Lautaro Martinez was able to express his disapproval, he who inherited seventh place in this 2024 version when he could legitimately claim a Top 5. “ To be honest, I expected better than seventh place in the Ballon d'Or. Sometimes these rewards are unfair. I will work even harder to improve this position. »

Before the ceremony, during which the Argentinian Inter striker himself presented the Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper to his compatriot Emiliano Martinez, Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi felt that the Nerazzurro deserved to succeed him on the Ballon d’Or list. “ He had a spectacular year, he scored a goal in the final and was top scorer in the Copa America… I hope Martinez wins the Ballon d'Or, he deserves it more than anyone. »