The long-running rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid has intensified yet again, this time off the pitch, with Carlos Olmo, Dani Olmo’s brother, lashing out at Vinicius Jr. Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker, recently overlooked for the Ballon d’Or, has once again become the focus of controversy.
Carlos Olmo, the older brother of Spanish international Dani Olmo, has posted a controversial video on social networking sites featuring controversial footage of Vinicius Jr. The footage shows the Real Madrid player in moments of protest, making mocking gestures at opponents and performing actions deemed unsporting.
In the caption to the video, Carlos Olmo subtly wrote: ‘Rodri really saved football’, a direct reference to the Manchester City midfielder who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The comment was not only an attack on Vinicius, but also a reminder of the difference in style between Rodri, considered a model of professionalism, and Vinicius, who is often criticised for his behaviour.
Dani Olmo's brother shares on IG a compilation of Vinicius' fouls and claims during matches… With the caption ‘Rodri really saved football.’ pic.twitter.com/L9DDFwndvF
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) December 22, 2024
This year’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to Rodri, left a bitter taste in the mouths of Real Madrid and its supporters. Many in the Spanish capital considered Vinicius a legitimate favourite after a year marked by decisive performances in La Liga and the Champions League. The lack of recognition for the Brazilian provoked a strong reaction from the club, which decided to skip the France Football ceremony. Real Madrid even decided to boycott the Ballon d’Or in future, claiming that the award had lost all credibility.
Vinicius Jr hated, but the king of football is him
Carlos Olmo’s attack only served to exacerbate an already entrenched rivalry between Barcelona and Real Madrid. This is not the first time that Vinicius Jr has found himself at the centre of controversy. In addition to his sporting exploits, the Brazilian is regularly targeted for his provocations on the pitch.
Despite losing out to Rodri in the race for the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr has promised to work ten times harder for future editions. And he seems to be keeping his word: since October, his spectacular performances speak for themselves. The Brazilian winger’s string of goals, assists and dazzling performances is now universally acclaimed. He is now universally acclaimed, and has just been awarded FIFA’s The Best trophy as the world’s best player.
Titles since Vinicius Jr signed for Real Madrid in 2018 pic.twitter.com/WfgD2G5fHy
— Real Madrid Info ³⁶ (@RMadridInfo) December 18, 2024
At the ceremony in Doha, FIFA President Gianni Infantino had no hesitation in making a veiled jab at France Football, in reference to the Auriverde’s failure to win the Ballon d’Or. Barely crowned winner of this exceptional award, Vinicius Jr shone once again by helping Real Madrid win the Intercontinental Cup against Pachuca. With a monstrous performance, he was voted best player of the final and of the tournament.
Despite the criticism, Vinicius Jr continues to show the world that he is number one. In Brazil, one hypothesis often comes up to explain his defeat at the Ballon d’Or: ‘he lost because of racism’.
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