The decision by Vinícius Jr and Real Madrid to boycott the Ballon d’Or Gala 2024 has prompted a number of reactions from Barcelona players. After Rodri’s surprise triumph, Blaugrana defender Pau Cubarsí gave his honest opinion and ended up taking a swipe at the Casa Blanca No7.
The absence of Vinícius Jr and Real Madrid from the Ballon d’Or Gala continues to make waves. Although the Brazilian striker has been named one of the best players in the world, he chose not to attend the event in Paris, supported by his team. This unexpected decision came as a surprise to many football observers, such as Pau Cubarsí, a young Barcelona defender.
In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, the young Blaugrana star, who has also been nominated for the Kopa Trophy, shared his feelings. “Being in the top 10 or top 20 of the Ballon d’Or is already a good prize. It’s important for a footballer to be there,’ he began. For him, being among the best is already a reward to be celebrated, without having to win it.
Cubarsí clearly attacks Vinicius Jr after winning the Ballon d’Or
Pau Cubarsí was not content with commenting on Vinícius’ absence from the gala. The young Spanish international also gave his opinion on the controversy that has set the world alight following Vinicius Jr’s failure to win the Ballon d’Or. To everyone’s surprise, France Football and UEFA awarded the coveted trophy to Rodri. But for Pau Cubarsí, it was anything but a surprise, as his compatriot richly deserves it.
Cubarsí: "Rodri winning the Ballon d'Or? It was very close between Rodri and Vinicius, but it’s good that a Spaniard won it… I wasn't surprised Vinicius didn't win, it was very tight." pic.twitter.com/TBIpmC0mjq
— Barça Universal (@BarcaUniversal) November 1, 2024
‘No, I wasn’t surprised to see Vinícius fail to win the Ballon d’Or, because he was very much Rodri’s equal,” he confided, noting that the Madrid player’s disappointment did not justify his boycott of the gala. Rather than dwell on the Auriverde, Curbarsi turned his attention to his young team-mate Lamine Yamal, who he believes has the ability to win the Golden Ball. “Now everyone sees what he is, but I’ve known him for years and I think he has the ability to win. I don’t think he has any ceiling, he’s at a spectacular level, you never know where he’s going to come from, he’s going there with a lot of confidence,’ he added.
🎙️ Pau Cubarsí:
— Mundo Deportivo (@mundodeportivo) November 1, 2024
💬 "No me sorprendió que no ganara Vinicius, estaba muy parejo con Rodri. ¿Lamine Yamal? Ahora todo el mundo ve lo que es, pero yo lo conozco hace años y creo que tiene capacidad para ganarlo. Creo que no tiene techo" pic.twitter.com/pPvnGzGqzY
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