A former Brazilian manager of Real Madrid criticized Vinicius, saying: “He is the one who provokes this quest.”
Rodrigo Hernández clinched the Ballon d’Or trophy, overtaking Vinicius, who appeared to be the main contender for the title. This result angered Real Madrid, who chose not to attend the Paris gala, leaving their entire delegation at home. The trophy caused considerable controversy.
Without a doubt, this is one of the closest Ballon d’Or races in history. In total, the Spanish player won the title by just 41 points, becoming the second player from his country to achieve this honor. As a result, fan and player opinions continue to clash.
During an interview with AS, Rio Ferdinand was asked about the Ballon d’Or winner. The former Manchester United player, who has been seen relishing several Real Madrid comebacks, expressed his anger at Rodri Hernández winning instead of Vinicius.
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“My Ballon d’Or winner is the player who makes me feel… ‘oh, my God’, who makes me pick up my phone and send WhatsApps,” he began. “Rodri didn’t make me feel that way. Vinicius does. That’s why I lean towards him; I want excitement,” the former England international claimed angrily.
This is not the first time that Rio Ferdinand has called for the Ballon d’Or for Vinicius. He already did it some time ago after one of the Brazilian’s goals against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, mentioning ‘Ballon d’Or’ ten times when talking about the Real Madrid player.
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The same day, his coach, Carlo Ancelotti, also gave his support to the Brazilian: “It’s rare to see a player achieve a second half like Vinicius did, in addition to the goals, with energy, intensity and “extraordinary character,” he declared at a press conference.
