The vote by African journalists for the 2024 Ballon d’Or surprised many, with Vinicius Junior crowned the continent’s true champion, despite Rodri’s world victory.
While the prestigious Ballon d’Or awarded by France Football was officially awarded to the Spanish player Rodri, it was the Brazilian Vinicius Junior who captured the voices of African journalists, affirming his status as favorite on the continent. Let’s dive into this remarkable recognition and the reasons behind this unexpected choice.
The revelation of the votes of African journalists provoked a strong reaction: with 12 votes in his favor, Vinicius Junior beat Rodri, honored as winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or at world level. This distinction represents a symbolic achievement for the Brazilian, widely admired for his talent and influence in international football, notably at Real Madrid.
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Although the Spaniard ultimately won the trophy, this African preference for Vinicius reflects a strong attachment to a player who dazzles with his creativity and spectacular style of play, embodying the values of daring and flamboyant football.
Rodri’s victory sparked intense reactions within the football community, particularly in Spain, where Real Madrid fans largely supported Vinicius Junior. In Africa, the choice of journalists in favor of the Brazilian reveals a significant admiration for the career of Vinicius, considered a model for younger generations, inspiring them with his meteoric rise and his constant performances on the pitch.
The African vote for Vinicius Junior also serves as a statement against often overly technical criteria which neglect the emotional and artistic impact of the player. His unique style, passion and perseverance have won hearts far beyond simple statistical performances.
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Real Madrid expressed their displeasure by boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony, considering the decision favoring Rodri as an injustice to Vinicius Junior. This position resonates in Africa, where many observers believe Vinicius deserved the accolade.
This discrepancy between official choices and popular support highlights the importance of evaluation criteria in modern football. While international rankings are often based on rigorous statistics, Africa seems to value a more sentimental and instinctive approach to the game.
Amid this international rivalry, another player has caught the attention of Africans: Nigerian Ademola Lookman, ranked 14th in the world Ballon d’Or rankings and the best African on the list. This substantial support reflects African pride in its local talents while reaffirming the popularity of international figures like Vinicius Junior.
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