The drama surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony has taken a poignant turn with an emotional message from Vinicius Jr’s close friend apparently confirming the Real Madrid star’s unsuccessful bid for football’s most prestigious individual award. The development comes amid Real Madrid’s unprecedented decision to boycott tonight’s ceremony in Paris, marking a significant moment of protest from one of football’s most storied institutions.
MC Maneirinho, a Brazilian musical artist and longtime friend of Vinicius, shared a heartfelt Instagram post that has been widely interpreted as confirmation of the circulating reports that Manchester City’s Rodri will claim the golden ball. The message, laden with both pride and frustration, speaks to deeper issues beyond mere sporting achievement, touching on themes of social justice and representation that have become increasingly intertwined with Vinicius’s career.
The timing of Real Madrid’s boycott and the emotional response from Vinicius’s inner circle has created a perfect storm of controversy just hours before the ceremony. Despite France Football executives insisting that only two people know the final results, the widespread belief that Rodri will be crowned winner has sparked a remarkable show of solidarity from the Madrid camp, with the entire club choosing to abstain from the prestigious event.
Maneirinho’s powerful message resonates beyond the confines of football, highlighting the additional hurdles faced by players from underprivileged backgrounds. His words, “People who come from where we came from don’t have to do twice as much, but 10 times as much every day,” echo the broader social commentary that has become inseparable from Vinicius’s journey in European football, particularly in light of his brave stance against racism in Spanish football.
The 24-year-old Brazilian’s case for the Ballon d’Or was compelling. His contributions were instrumental in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga double, with his performances in crucial matches, including the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund, showcasing his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. However, a disappointing Copa America campaign, where Brazil crashed out in the quarter-finals, may have ultimately impacted his chances.
The controversy surrounding this year’s award has reignited debates about the criteria used to determine football’s individual honors. Rodri’s reported victory would represent a departure from the traditional bias towards attacking players, recognizing instead the crucial role of defensive midfielders in modern football. The Manchester City star’s consistent excellence in both the Premier League and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph appears to have swayed voters.
The situation has drawn parallels to previous controversial Ballon d’Or decisions, though Real Madrid’s collective boycott represents an unprecedented level of institutional protest. The club’s stance appears to be not just about the award itself, but a broader statement about recognition and respect in football’s highest echelons.
Despite the apparent disappointment, Maneirinho’s message also carries a forward-looking tone, acknowledging that at just 24, Vinicius’s time for individual recognition may still come. Even if it turns out that the 24-year-old has not won this year’s award for the world’s best player, he will likely be in contention to claim the trophy in the future,” the sentiment echoes throughout the football community.
The controversy surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony highlights how the award has evolved beyond mere recognition of sporting excellence to become a platform for broader social and institutional statements. Real Madrid’s boycott and the emotional response from Vinicius’s camp demonstrate that in modern football, the impact of such awards extends far beyond the golden trophy itself.
As Paris prepares to host football’s glittering award ceremony, the absence of Real Madrid’s contingent will be keenly felt, serving as a powerful reminder that in contemporary football, principles and solidarity sometimes speak louder than presence at prestigious ceremonies. The episode marks another chapter in Vinicius Jr’s inspiring journey, one that continues to challenge and change football’s established order both on and off the pitch.
