Hours after the highly talked-about 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, significant news has surfaced in Spain. According to Cadena Ser, Vinicius Junior is reportedly discontented with Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is currently going through a turbulent period. Following a previous season marked by major accomplishments, Carlo Ancelotti’s team is now taking some heavy hits. After the unexpected Champions League defeat to Lille and the thrashing against Barça in last Saturday’s Clasico, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony has only added fuel to the fire. Since Monday, Vinicius Junior, who had been tipped as the favourite for the France Football trophy, watched as Rodri claimed the honour instead.
Could Real Madrid be partly responsible for the disappointment?
While many believe Rodri’s win is well-deserved and suggest that Madridistas can only blame the voters for their unusual choices, Cadena Ser has dropped a bombshell. According to the Iberian radio station, cited by media outlet Eldesmarque, Vinicius Junior is not entirely happy with his management. He feels that, since Kylian Mbappé’s arrival in June, the club has focused more on Mbappé, and that the support or lobbying required to promote him for the Ballon d’Or vote was lacking.
This revelation is significant. If confirmed (though it will likely never be made official), it suggests a potential tension or rivalry brewing within Carlo Ancelotti’s squad. Recently, Jude Bellingham’s situation has also drawn attention. Struggling this season, the English midfielder appears to be paying the price for Mbappé’s arrival, as the Frenchman has taken a central role in the tactical setup.
A boycott to appease Vinicius?
Rumours suggest that Real Madrid’s decision to skip the 68th Ballon d’Or ceremony in France on Monday may have been a gesture to reassure Vinicius of his importance to the club. In his message after being awarded Manager of the Year, Carlo Ancelotti also put a particular emphasis on Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal, both top contenders for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Both players were crucial last season. In any case, Real Madrid now has a challenging road ahead. With Kylian Mbappé aiming to make his mark and position himself for future Ballon d’Or honours, and with Vinicius likely more determined than ever, it raises the question of whether tensions might arise among the players.
Leave a Reply