Rodri was officially awarded the Ballon d’Or for 2024 at a prestigious ceremony in Paris on Monday night. However, just as he received his trophy, an unexpected scene unfolded, hinting at the lingering presence of Vinicius Jr. Despite Vinicius’s absence from the event, his influence was palpable, as many had pegged the Brazilian star as the frontrunner for the award. News of his snub hit Spain like a bombshell, sparking a wave of discontent among Real Madrid fans and fueling a significant debate.
Earlier in the day, Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez, upon learning that Vinicius Jr would not win the Ballon d’Or, abruptly canceled the club’s planned trip to the ceremony. While Kylian Mbappe, Carlo Ancelotti, and Real Madrid itself earned accolades during the evening, the club’s absence underscored a stark message of protest.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or moment marred by unforeseen humiliation
Braving his recent knee surgery, Rodri made the journey to Paris to receive his prestigious award. Yet, just before lifting the iconic trophy, an unusual disruption unfolded. Former Ballon d’Or winner George Weah was on stage, ready to announce the winner, when a section of the audience began chanting “Vinicius, Vinicius, Vinicius” — a clear statement of disapproval for Rodri’s victory.
Caught off guard, Rodri’s face displayed a mix of awkwardness and frustration, hinting at the uncomfortable position the Manchester City star found himself in. For Rodri, who had carried Spain to triumph in Euro 2024, the Ballon d’Or symbolized a career-defining moment. However, the crowd’s reaction sent a powerful message that perhaps, in their eyes, Vinicius Jr was the player they had hoped to see crowned.
This public sentiment may echo far beyond Paris, as Madridistas rally behind their Brazilian star, who is seen as a key figure in Real Madrid’s future and an emblem of their ongoing ambitions.
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