Ballon d’Or: Vinicius is disrespectful -UEFA President

President of UEFA, Aleksander Ceferin, has waded into the ongoing debate triggered by the 2024 Ballon d’Or awarded to Manchester City and Spain national team’s defensive midfielder, Rodri.

The controversy was triggered by the decision to deny Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Junior the award despite the explosive forward being tipped as favourite to clinch the coveted honour.

Vinicius and a high-powered Real Madrid delegation stayed back in Spain, refusing to attend the event in protest against the decision.

Speaking exclusively to UEFA TV, Ceferin hinted that Vinicius’ antics on the pitch led to his loss.

“They should review Vinícius’s season themselves to see what he does with referees, players, and fans in every match,” he said.

Renowned for scuffling with and trading words with opponents, the diminutive forward has also had it rough with opposition fans.

He has also been a constant victim of alleged racist taunts by opposition fans.

Ceferin defended Rodri’s win.

“A holding midfielder who hasn’t lost in 72 matches, created more goals than Vinícius, and scored 12 goals.

“Additionally, he won the Euros and was named the best player of the tournament, & he won the Premier League.

“I believe if he played for Pérez’s team (Madrid), he would be immediately asking for the Ballon d’Or!

Overall, football is about respect & ethics above all else.”

Ceferin’s comments follow similar opinion by La Liga president, Tebaz.

The La Liga boss accused Real Madrid of showing a ‘lack of elegance’ following the club’s dramatic boycott the award.

European champions Madrid had initially planned to send a delegation of 50 people to Paris, where they were expecting to see Vinicius Junior be crowned as the best male player in world football.

Madrid right back Dani Carvajal – who won last season’s Champions League with his club and then Euro 2024 with Spain in the summer – was also expected to rank high in the vote organised by France Football.

Tebas reacted on Tuesday by telling French newspaper L’Equipe: ‘I’m a Madrid fan. The important values ​​of this club are to be a gentleman and to shake hands when you lose.

‘I think Real Madrid lost that mentality a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned the France Football system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting.

‘Real Madrid’s victimhood doesn’t have to be and it is exaggerated. I don’t know where they’re going. We also experience this lack of elegance in Spain.’

Ballon d’Or

The Ballon d’Or is the most prestigious individual honor in football, awarded annually since 1956 to recognize exceptional talent and outstanding achievements.

Rodri’s impressive performance helped City secure a record fourth successive English Premier League title, and he also played a crucial role in Spain’s triumph at UEFA EURO 2024, earning him the tournament’s best player award.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony, held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, also recognized other top players, including Aitana Bonmatí, who won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second consecutive year.

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