The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, held on Monday, has sparked a heated debate in the world of soccer. The absence of Real Madrid at the event caused a lot of expectation.
The club decided not to attend after learning that its star player, Vinícius Júnior, wasn't going to receive the award. The controversy increased when it was announced that Rodri Hernández of Manchester City was the winner.
The Controversy at the Gala
From the start, the Ballon d'Or gala was presented as an event full of surprises and reactions. Real Madrid's decision not to attend was a clear message of support for Vinícius.
Despite being awarded the prizes for best team and best coach in the world, the club decided to stay away. This stance reflects the frustration of the board and the players, who believe that Vinícius deserves greater recognition.
The club's absence from the ceremony caused a stir in the media. Many fans wondered why Vinícius Júnior wasn't awarded. His performance last season was outstanding.
With 15 goals and numerous assists, his role in winning the Champions League and La Liga was essential. However, the award went to Rodri Hernández, who played a prominent role at Manchester City.
Why didn't Vinícius win?
The debate over Vinícius Júnior's non-election as Ballon d'Or winner has raised a number of questions. Many critics point out that the vote is focused more on collective achievements than individual ones.
In this sense, Rodri was key to City's success this season, which might have influenced the voters' decision. However, Vinícius's impact on Madrid and his ability to make the difference in decisive matches should not be overlooked.
Furthermore, some analysts suggest that the political environment and the relationship between the clubs and UEFA may have played a role in the decision. The tension between Real Madrid and UEFA has been evident in recent times.
Manchester City is believed to have given the heads-up, but L'Équipe says no one knew anything.
"This year, neither the winner nor the awardee were to be notified. I thought everyone accepted that, but in the end they wanted to change the rule. I'm not sure there wasn't an element of bluffing," they said.
Florentino Pérez's Reaction
Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez expressed his disappointment at the decision not to award Vinícius. Although he didn't attend the ceremony, his message was clear. The situation has fueled the ongoing war between the club and UEFA.
The decision not to attend the gala was seen as an act of protest. Florentino Pérez reaffirmed his support for Vinícius and stressed the importance of recognizing the talent of his players.
This situation has sparked a broader debate about the criteria for selecting the Ballon d'Or. Many are wondering whether the award truly reflects individual talent or whether it is conditioned by external factors.
Madrid's absence from the gala is a symbol of the frustration that clubs feels when faced with this type of decision.