Ballon d'Or 2024: Vinicius Junior sends cryptic message as Real Madrid team-mates slam result - 'They're not ready'
Updated 28/10/2024 at 23:37 GMT
Vinicius Junior delivered a short message to the football world following Rodri's Ballon d'Or win, with his Real Madrid team-mates posting their support on social media after Manchester City midfielder Rodri picked up the award. The Brazilian had long been the favourite until a late twist suggested that the Spaniard had won the vote, prompting Vinicius and Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony.
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri's biggest moments
Video credit: TNT Sports
Vinicius Junior sent a cryptic message following Rodri's Ballon d'Or win, which was boycotted by the Brazilian and his Real Madrid team-mates.
Vinicius was the bookmakers' favourite after a stellar season in the Spanish capital, in which he won the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles.
His standout displays, which included scoring in Madrid's Champions League final win against Borussia Dortmund, earned him the favourite tag for the award.
However, on Monday morning, news began to circulate that Rodri had won the vote, which was decided by 100 journalists, hailing from the top 100 of FIFA’s member nations.
Madrid then announced hours before the ceremony that they would not attend, despite the club, their manager, and players winning multiple awards throughout the night.
The Madrid winger posted on X shortly after Rodri won in Paris on Monday, saying: "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready."
Real Madrid, who were thrashed 4-0 by fierce rivals Barcelona in Saturday night’s Clasico, completely ignored the ceremony on social media, making no acknowledgement of the event.
Vinicius' team-mates shared their thoughts on the outcome, with both Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni taking to social media to give support to their colleague.
"My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro," said Camavinga.
"Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know…They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver. Love," said Tchouameni.
Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who was named Men's Coach of the Year, wrote: "I want to thank my family, my president, my club, my players and above all Vini and [Dani] Carvajal.”
Despite their absence, Los Blancos were named as Men's Team of the Year after winning a 15th European Cup and 36th La Liga title. Awkwardly, there was no one to receive the award for the club and the ceremony quickly moved on.
- Rodri wins men's award as Vinicius and Real Madrid snub Ballon d'Or ceremony
- Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain wins Ballon d'Or Feminin award for second year in a row
It was a similar story with the Gerd Muller Trophy and Coach of the Year prizes. Kylian Mbappe was named joint-recipient of the former along with Harry Kane, but the England striker went up on stage alone for an interview.
Both the men's and women's top prizes were won by Spanish players, with Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati grabbing her second consecutive Ballon d'Or Feminin.
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