Former Barcelona forward Sergio Aguero recently criticized Real Madrid, accusing them of acting “entitled” after they opted not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The absence of the Spanish giants raised eyebrows, particularly since several of their players had stellar seasons. According to reports, Real Madrid decided to boycott the prestigious event after learning that Vinicius Jr. would not be awarded the Ballon d’Or.
On his livestream, Aguero voiced his strong opinions: “Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the world. Football is for everyone, not only Real Madrid. They feel so entitled.” Aguero’s comments reflect the ongoing tension between the Madrid-based club and the Ballon d’Or organizers, as Real Madrid’s absence was seen by many as a protest against the award’s selection process.
Madrid’s Missed Opportunity and a Heated Reaction
Real Madrid’s absence was notable, especially as the club had several potential Ballon d’Or candidates, including Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos. Each player was expected to be in contention for the award, generating significant anticipation. However, when it was revealed that none of these players would be taking home the trophy, Real Madrid’s discontent appeared to escalate, leading to the club’s decision to distance themselves from the ceremony.
Following the event, a Real Madrid spokesperson expressed disappointment with the selection criteria, claiming that some of their players had been unjustly overlooked, with a particular focus on Carvajal’s omission. The spokesperson highlighted what they viewed as biased voting practices that failed to recognize the accomplishments of their standout players.Despite these frustrations, Real Madrid’s successful season did not go entirely unrecognized. They received the accolade of The Best Club, and manager Carlo Ancelotti was named The Best Coach of the Year. Still, the absence of individual recognition for their players seemed to overshadow these achievements, ultimately prompting Real Madrid’s symbolic protest by not attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
Insight from France Football and Controversy Around Vinicius’ Loss
Vincent Garcia, editor-in-chief of France Football, weighed in on the situation, suggesting that the presence of multiple high-ranking Real Madrid players in the Ballon d’Or standings may have worked against Vinicius Jr.’s chances. Garcia explained that having several Madrid players in the top five contenders split the voting pool, limiting the points Vinicius could secure and indirectly boosting other candidates like Manchester City’s Rodri.
Garcia elaborated, “Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.” He added that Real Madrid’s strong collective showing actually might have benefited competitors, who faced less internal competition for votes.
Pressure and Protest: Real Madrid’s Influence and Ballon d’Or’s Stance
In response to Real Madrid’s complaints, Garcia disclosed that he had experienced pressure from the club throughout the award process. “I was under a lot of pressure from Real Madrid, but as with other clubs, I maintained clarity and fairness,” Garcia shared, emphasizing his commitment to impartiality. Despite the pressure, Garcia claimed he treated all clubs equally and resisted demands for any preferential treatment.
The tension between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organizers grew as the club allegedly sought advance information about the results—a request that went unfulfilled. The Ballon d’Or organizers had assured all parties, including Real Madrid, that results would be kept confidential until the ceremony. “We were very clear with them and all other clubs that the winner would not be disclosed beforehand,” Garcia said, adding that he was surprised by Real Madrid’s reaction and subsequent decision to skip the event.A Broader Debate on the Ballon d’Or Selection Process
Real Madrid’s absence has stirred ongoing debates about the Ballon d’Or’s selection methods and whether the award truly reflects players’ performances. By refusing to attend, Real Madrid has brought attention to what they see as an unfair bias in the award system, particularly regarding how their players’ contributions were evaluated.
With Madrid’s visible protest, the club has sent a clear message: they question the integrity of the Ballon d’Or’s selection process. This act has resonated throughout the football community, sparking discussions on whether the Ballon d’Or criteria should be re-evaluated to ensure a more balanced approach for all contenders. The situation highlights the broader issue of how individual awards are perceived in a team-centered sport, especially by a club as decorated and competitive as Real Madrid.