Cristiano Ronaldo has rekindled the debate over the controversial outcome of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, accusing the organisers of unjustly overlooking Brazilian star Vinícius Junior in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri. The Portuguese legend, who has himself won the prestigious award five times, did not hold back when speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday, asserting that Vinícius deserved the honour after his crucial contributions to Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph.
“I believe Vinícius should have won the Ballon d’Or,” Ronaldo declared passionately during his acceptance speech for the Best Middle East Player Award. “It was unfair, in my opinion. I say this in front of everyone here. Rodri is a great player, he deserved recognition too, but Vinícius was the standout player in the Champions League, scoring in the final to lead his team to glory.”
This bold statement from one of football’s most decorated players adds fuel to the fire of ongoing criticisms surrounding the annual award. Rodri’s win, which was largely attributed to his pivotal role in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning season, has been questioned by many, including Ronaldo, who believes that the Ballon d’Or often prioritises overarching team achievements over individual brilliance in key moments.
Vinícius, despite his significant contributions throughout the season, including a decisive goal in the Champions League final, was notably absent from the Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris this October. His absence, alongside his Real Madrid teammates, was widely seen as a silent protest against the voting process and the perception that certain players, especially from less commercially dominant clubs, are frequently overlooked.
“Vinícius is a fantastic player. This year, he was instrumental not only in winning the Champions League but also in consistently performing at the highest level,” Ronaldo continued, highlighting the Brazilian’s undeniable impact on the pitch. “We’re talking about a player who has changed the course of games in Europe’s most prestigious competition. To me, that’s Ballon d’Or-worthy.”
Despite the Ballon d’Or snub, 24-year-old Vinícius has had an exceptional year. Earlier this year, he was awarded FIFA’s Best Men’s Player and, just days ago, was named the Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards. His performances have earned him accolades worldwide, with many football experts and fans alike considering him one of the best players in the world today.
At the Globe Soccer Awards, where Ronaldo and Vinícius both emerged as winners, the Brazilian’s rise was widely celebrated. His Champions League final goal, which helped secure Real Madrid’s 2-1 victory over Liverpool, was a defining moment of the season and solidified his reputation as one of football’s most dynamic and influential players.
Speaking to reporters after receiving his award, Vinícius remained diplomatic about the Ballon d’Or outcome but made it clear that he was focused on continuing to improve. “The most important thing is to keep working hard and to help my team achieve success,” he said. “Awards are nice, but the team’s success is always my priority.”
Ronaldo’s criticisms come at a time when the Ballon d’Or has faced increasing scrutiny regarding its voting process. For years, there have been debates over whether individual brilliance often gets overshadowed by collective achievements. With Rodri’s victory, many fans and pundits have argued that the Ballon d’Or should more heavily weigh moments of individual genius, particularly in high-stakes matches like the Champions League final, where Vinícius played a crucial role.
Ronaldo’s remarks are particularly poignant, given his own illustrious career and his experience with the Ballon d’Or. The Portuguese forward, who has amassed five Ballon d’Or titles, knows all too well the pressures and politics involved in winning the award. His backing of Vinícius only adds to the ongoing debate about the fairness of the voting process.
“It’s important that we keep the conversation going,” Ronaldo stated during his speech, praising the Globe Soccer Awards for their approach to recognising talent. “The Globe Soccer Awards are different. They truly recognise players for their individual achievements without the bias or narratives that sometimes affect other awards. They’re fair, and they’re transparent.”
Ronaldo’s support for Vinícius is not the first time the two have shared a mutual admiration. Both players have long been considered among the best in the world, and Vinícius has often spoken of his respect for Ronaldo’s influence on his career. Following his win at the Globe Soccer Awards, Vinícius dedicated his victory to his teammates and the fans who have supported him throughout the season.
The award, which was presented in Dubai to an audience of football legends and industry professionals, marked yet another milestone in Vinícius’ career. His growing list of individual accolades, including his FIFA Best Men’s Player Award and his Globe Soccer win, is a testament to his outstanding form and consistency over the past year.
Rodri, while lauded for his role in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, has yet to comment publicly on Ronaldo’s remarks. However, his Ballon d’Or win has not been without its critics. Some football fans have argued that while Rodri’s influence in midfield was undeniable, the narrative of City’s historical season overshadowed the individual accomplishments of players like Vinícius, who made decisive contributions in the biggest games of the season.
