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Journalist
After trying different sports, Thibault turned to a career as an amateur footballer. When making a choice between becoming a professional footballer and a journalist, the qualities tipped the scales to one side. Here he is now in the editorial team of 10 Sport, after a diploma obtained at the International Institute of Communication in Paris.
History will therefore remember that the 2024 Ballon d’Or went to Rodri. If the Manchester City player won the Euro with Spain, he was not the favorite. While the trophy seemed promised to Vinicius Jr, the Brazilian finished 2nd. This then triggered a scandal at Real Madrid, who ultimately did not want to go to the ceremony in Paris. A controversy still alive within Casa Blanca and this Sunday, Florentino Pérez returned to it.
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On October 28, the Ballon d’Or ceremony took place… without the Real Madrid delegation. A few hours before the event, the Spanish club made the resounding decision not to go to Paris. The reason? Made aware that Rodri was going to win the Ballon d’Or rather than Vinicius Jr or even Dani Carvajal or Jude Bellinghamthe Real Madrid had then boycotted this ceremony to protest against this scandal in his eyes.
“Rodri deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this one”
This Sunday, Florentino Perez spoke at the General Assembly of Real Madrid. Evoking different themes, the Merengue president then returned to the Ballon d’Or controversy, thus saying: “ For the first time in history, UEFA organized the trophy. GOOD. First of all, I want to let you know that Rodri is a great player. It has nothing to do with him. I’m going to read the Tuttosport editorial: “Rodri deserves the Ballon d’Or, but not this one. Last year, City did the hat-trick, they scored, but they didn’t make it onto the podium. They wanted to compensate.” I agree. (…) Rodri has all our support, he deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this one. It must have been for a Real Madrid player. The favorite was Vinicius, but it could have been for our captain, Carvajal. Or even Bellingham. It’s very difficult to explain. There are surprising things ».
“The Ballon d’Or must be an independent trophy and voted on by recognized people”
Florentino Perez then explained: “ The UEFA press release… emphasizes that its entry had no impact on the voting system. I’ll tell you, they changed the voting system (from 5 to 10 players) and also the number of points (from 6 to 15). Without Namibia, Uganda, Albania, Finland, Vinicius would have won the Ballon d’Or. And what’s more, these countries didn’t give any votes to Vinicius (laughs). None (laughs). At least the Finnish journalist resigned and said he would no longer be on the jury. I appreciate it. (…) You would have to ask the organization what the criteria are, but it is clear that it can do what it wants, for free. I would ask France Football and L’Équipe if it makes sense to join forces with UEFA now. The Ballon d’Or must be an independent trophy and voted on by recognized people ».
