In a surprising turn of events, Real Madrid has reportedly canceled its planned trip to Paris for the upcoming Ballon d’Or ceremony, seemingly convinced that Vinicius Jr will not emerge as the winner. This news, confirmed by renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, adds weight to the club’s unexpected decision. While the Brazilian forward harbored hopes of claiming the prestigious award, it now appears the trophy may be heading in another direction—an opinion echoed by a former Real Madrid coach.
Vinicius Jr delivered a stellar season with Real Madrid, securing both the La Liga and the Champions League titles as a standout performer. However, his mixed performances with the Brazilian national team may have ultimately tipped the scales against him. During the Copa America, Vinicius had an inconsistent run, culminating in a decisive match where he was sent off, leaving Brazil short-handed. This early elimination of the Seleção likely diminished Vinicius’s odds of being named the world’s best player in 2024.
Recent reports suggest that Rodri has emerged as the frontrunner for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. With an impressive list of achievements, including a stellar Premier League season and leading Spain to victory at the Euro 2024—where he was named the tournament’s best player—Rodri’s chances appear stronger than ever. Though his club performances were occasionally inconsistent, his remarkable stats and vital contributions to Spain’s success have solidified his standing as a top contender.
Ex-Real Madrid coach Kiko Lopez endorses Rodri over Vinicius Jr
Adding to Rodri’s momentum, former Real Madrid youth coach Kiko Lopez weighed in on the debate in an interview with Foot-Africa. Having spent nine years at Madrid, Lopez remarked that despite Vinicius’s excellent season, he is not the most deserving candidate for the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
“No, for me it’s entirely deserved by Rodri. Vinicius had a good season, but he doesn’t deserve it this year. Rodri is an exceptional player who contributed immensely to Spain, especially by bringing home the Euro title, and he was impressive in the Premier League with incredible stats. It’s fully justified,” Lopez stated.
This stance from a former Real Madrid insider is likely to stir further controversy within the Madrid camp. Many fans had hoped to see the Brazilian winger recognized for his efforts, but with momentum clearly shifting towards Rodri, disappointment appears imminent for Vinicius and his supporters.
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