Real Madrid, Vinicius JR cry foul on Ballon d’Or awarded to Rodri

Sources close to Vinicius JR complained on Monday that his fight against racism "is the reason" he narrowly missed out on football’s most coveted football trophy that finally went to Manchester City’s midfielder and fellow countrywoman Aitana Bonmati as Spain secured a staggering six of 10 awards.

Real Madrid's star, Vinicius Jr., implied that he will continue to fight the system even if his activism cost him the chance to win the Ballon d'Or, according to Reuters. Monday's ceremony at the Théâtre Chatelet in Paris was without the supposed favourite as well representatives  from his club, whose decision to boycott the event was met with significant criticism from media analysts and fans alike.

The Brazilian did not remain silent and took to social media after finishing second in the prestigious award voting, behind Spanish midfielder Rodri from Manchester City, who triumphed over the Madrid trio consisting of Dani Carvajal (4th), Jude Bellingham (3rd), and Vinicius himself. Without offering congratulations to the winner, Vini Jr. instead shared a cryptic message.

"I will do it 10 times if necessary. They are not ready," the forward posted on his official X account. On the same day, Real Madrid revealed that they were retracting their plans to attend the ceremony in Paris, effectively boycotting the event in anticipation of Vinicius not winning the men’s category. The European Champions also claim that Carvajal had been "treated unfairly" according to the criteria set by France Football, the organisation responsible the craved recognition.

Simultaneously, fellow teammates, including Eduardo Camavinga and Fede Valverde, broke their silence on social media after several days of non-activity following the home defeat to Barcelona on Saturday and shared messages featuring photos of Vinicius with the caption "You are the best." Meanwhile, German and Los Blancos' legend Toni Kroos, who retired this summer, found himself in ninth place when he had been expected to be near the podium.

What the 24-year-old star precisely intended with his post was unclear: though some interpreted it as a reference to his performance on the pitch, viewing the setback as basis for further motivation, his management suggested he was referring to his "fight against racism," Reuters reported.

Vinicius has been instrumental in Real Madrid's recent success, yet he has continually been in the spotlight due to his defiant attitude on the pitch and stance on social issues, making him a prominent symbol against racism for some. According to close associates, there is a prevailing belief that "the world of football is not prepared to accept a player who challenges the system."

The 35-time Brazilian international has faced racial abuse on multiple occasions during his relatively short career, being the victim of at least two convictions for racist insults in high-profile cases in Spain, where many cionsider him a "provocative" player, as also noted by former footballers like his compatriot Pintinho.

Regarding the gala, Rodri delivered a heartfelt speech dedicated to Spanish football, shortly after Bonmatí took the stage to receive the Women's Ballon d'Or. The sensational midfielder from Barcelona, which also bagged the title of Women's Club of the Year, left Paris unvanquished for the second consecutive year, solidifying her status as the best in the world. Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old prodigy who burst onto the scene in the past season, comfortably won the Kopa Trophy, conferred to the best young player globally.

In one of the evening's more awkward moments, silence enveloped the gala as Didier Drogba, serving as presenter, was supposed to hand Real Madrid the award for Men's Club of the Year, alongside Carlo Ancelotti, named Men's Coach of the Year after clinching both the European and Spanish league titles in an almost perfect 2023-24 season. As anticipated, no member of the delegation was present to accept the accolades.

The first titles of the night went to Emma Hayes, coach of the USA Women’s National Team and former Chelsea manager, who received the 'Johan Cruyff Women’s'award; Jennifer Hermoso, whose selection stirred a war of words online by winning the 'Socrates’ award for humanitarian work after the 'Rubiales Affair'; Argentinian Emiliano Martínez, named Best Goalkeeper for the second consecutive year; and Britton Harry Kane and French forward Kylian Mbappé, who shared the distinction as top scorers of the previous season.

Filled with unexpected turns and surprises, The Ballon D'Or gala left no one indifferent as this year's decision to keep the winner's identity under wraps until mere hours before the event definitely sent shockwaves through the audience and set social media ablaze.