Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has slammed journalists from four countries who did not vote for Vinícius Júnior for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. He also opened up about the reasons why the club chose not to attend the award ceremony.
Vinícius Júnior was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or. Last season, he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games, driving the club to La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory. However, when Los Blancos learned that he would not win the award, they decided against attending the gala.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the best men’s coach of the year, while Real Madrid was named the best men’s club of the year. However, there were no delegates to receive these awards on the night. Now, president Florentino Pérez has opened up about their decision to snub the award gala.
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Speaking at an event, Pérez questioned the reasons behind the journalists from several countries who did not vote for Vinícius Júnior (via GOAL):
“If the journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland had voted, Vinícius would have won the Ballon d’Or. These countries did not give Vinícius a single vote. Not one! The Finnish journalist, at least, has resigned. And he has said that he will not be part of the jury again. Look, I appreciate it.”
Pérez continued:
“The Ballon d’Or must be organized independently, and the votes for this award must be in the hands of people with recognized prestige, like the coaches, so that everyone understands that their reputation is also at stake with their vote. We do not know who voted for them, from countries we do not even know. For all these reasons, Real Madrid considered it appropriate not to attend this edition of the Ballon d’Or gala.”
Real Madrid will certainly be looking to ensure their players are among the best in the world when next year’s edition of the award gala comes around.
Florentino Pérez Makes It Clear That the Ballon d’Or Should Have Been Given to a Real Madrid Player
Florentino Pérez has made it clear that the Ballon d’Or should have been handed to a Real Madrid player. Speaking at the club’s General Assembly, he explained that Rodri—the eventual winner—should have won the award in 2023, rather than 2024 (via Football Espana):
“I want to say Rodri is a great footballer, and he is from Madrid, he has our affection. He deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year, but last year. This one was for a Real Madrid player. The clamour was for Vinícius, but it could have been for our captain, Carvajal. Or even Bellingham. It’s very difficult to explain.”
Rodri went home with the award after an impressive season with Manchester City, where he led them to their fourth consecutive Premier League title. He also won Euro 2024 with Spain.
