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Vinicius Jr. will have to wait a bit longer for his first Ballon d’Or, despite being considered a top contender. This year, the award went to Rodri, sparking controversy and disappointment, especially in Real Madrid’s camp. Vinicius, who had an incredible season, chose not to attend the ceremony, and Real Madrid also boycotted it, which many consider a significant statement of protest.
Supporters close to Vinicius believe his ongoing fight against racism may have influenced the voting outcome. The Brazilian star, known for speaking out against racial abuse, especially in support of players like Lamine Yamal, has become a vocal advocate, even in the face of rivalries on the pitch. His entourage suspects that his activism may have swayed some opinions against him, though others argue it’s just speculation.
France Football, however, insists that the results came down purely to voting numbers, not any bias. Editor Vincent Garcia expressed regret over Real Madrid’s absence, emphasizing that Vinicius simply didn’t secure enough votes. He mentioned that with teammates like Bellingham and Carvajal also in the top 5, votes may have been split among the Real Madrid roster, reflecting the club’s diverse talent pool.
Garcia also praised Rodri, highlighting his contribution as a defensive midfielder, a position that rarely wins the Ballon d’Or, marking a historic moment for Spanish football. The final voting details will be released in France Football’s November 9 issue.
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