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Ronaldo has blasted the organizers of the 2024 Ballon d'Or after failing to award Vinicius the biggest prize.
Cristiano Ronaldo has taken a firm stand, claiming that Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior was ‘robbed’ of this year’s Ballon d’Or.
Speaking at the prestigious Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner openly criticised the decision to award the prize to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, insisting that Vinícius was the rightful winner.
“In my opinion, he [Vinícius] deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d’Or award],” Ronaldo declared on stage.
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“It was unfair in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody. They give it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinícius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.”
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Ronaldo’s remarks have reignited debate around the Ballon d’Or voting process, which has often been accused of favouring certain leagues or players.
Ronaldo Praises Globe Soccer after winning award as Vinicius wins player of the year
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Pulse Sports earlier reported that Vinícius, who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, including scoring the decisive goal in the final, was notably absent from the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris which held back in October.
Alongside his Madrid teammates, the 24-year-old Brazilian winger boycotted the event, with many interpreting the move as a silent protest against the perceived bias in the award’s outcome.
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While Rodri's contribution to Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign was undeniable, Ronaldo's endorsement of Vinícius adds weight to the criticism.
The Portuguese star, who was not shortlisted for this year’s Ballon d’Or, further voiced his discontent with the organisers, France Football magazine.
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Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Vinícius has had an exceptional year, recently winning FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player award and being named the Best Men’s Player at the Globe Soccer Awards.
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Ronaldo, who was honoured with the Best Middle East Player award in Dubai, attended the gala with his stunning WAG Georgina Rodriguez and took the opportunity to praise Globe Soccer for its transparency and fairness.
“Globe Soccer does things differently, and they recognise players in a way that truly respects their contributions,” he said, lauding the organisation for acknowledging players across various footballing regions.
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