In an extraordinary show of solidarity, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has launched a pointed criticism at what he terms “football politics” following teammate Vinicius Jr’s surprising second-place finish in the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting, with Manchester City’s Rodri claiming the prestigious award.
The aftermath of Monday’s ceremony has sparked intense debate within the football community, with several Real Madrid players publicly challenging the decision and rallying behind their Brazilian teammate. Camavinga’s bold statement, declaring Vinicius “the best player in the world,” has become the centerpiece of a broader protest from the Madrid camp against what they perceive as an unjust outcome.
The controversy has exposed deep-seated tensions about how football’s highest individual honor is awarded. Rodri’s victory, while historic as the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, has been met with skepticism from the Madrid contingent. The Spanish midfielder’s triumph marks him as the first in his position to claim the award since Luka Modric in 2018, but the Real Madrid locker room clearly believes their Brazilian star was more deserving.
Vinicius Jr, who had been widely considered the frontrunner leading up to the ceremony, responded to the result with characteristic defiance. In a statement that seemed to blend disappointment with determination, the Brazilian forward cryptically warned that “they’re not ready” for what’s to come in the remainder of the season, suggesting the decision has only fueled his motivation to prove his worth on the field.
The response from his teammates has been swift and unanimous. Goalkeeper Andriy Lunin took to Instagram with a particularly creative protest, sharing an image of Vinicius with a hand-drawn medal around his neck, accompanied by the simple yet pointed message: “You’re the best.” This artistic form of protest has since gone viral, becoming a symbol of the team’s collective dissent.
Federico Valverde’s response stood out for its emphasis on Vinicius’s character both on and off the pitch. “There’s no award that acknowledges how good you are. And I’m not just talking about your player quality but off the pitch as well,” the Uruguayan midfielder posted, highlighting the broader impact Vinicius has had beyond his sporting achievements.
The support extended beyond just his club teammates. Brazil national team colleague Eder Militao added his voice to the chorus, emphatically stating, “You are the best and no one can take that away from you!” Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni took to X (formerly Twitter) with a message that echoed Vinicius’s own sentiment about future performances: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.”
The timing of this controversy is particularly significant for Real Madrid, coming on the heels of a devastating 4-0 defeat to Barcelona. The team’s unified response to Vinicius’s Ballon d’Or disappointment suggests a squad looking to rally together during a challenging period, with their next fixture against Valencia presenting an immediate opportunity for redemption.
This collective show of support from the Real Madrid camp raises broader questions about the criteria and processes behind football’s most prestigious individual award. Camavinga’s reference to “football politics” hints at deeper frustrations within the sport about how such honors are distributed and what factors truly influence the final decision.
The controversy also highlights the intense loyalty and team spirit within the Real Madrid squad, with players willing to publicly challenge the establishment in defense of their teammate. This unified stance could prove crucial as the team looks to bounce back from their recent setback and channel their collective disappointment into on-field success.
As Real Madrid prepares for their upcoming match against Valencia, the football world will be watching closely to see how Vinicius Jr responds to this setback on the pitch. If his teammates’ predictions are anything to go by, this Ballon d’Or decision might just serve as the catalyst for an even more impressive campaign from the Brazilian star.
The fallout from this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony continues to reverberate through the football world, suggesting that the debate over football’s highest individual honor – and the politics surrounding it – is far from over. For now, Real Madrid’s stars have made their position clear: in their eyes, the best player in the world wears their white shirt, regardless of what any award might say.
