VINICIUS ROBBED, RODRI BALLON D’OR, SCANDAL, RACISM, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, THE SECRETS OF THE BALLON D’OR
Even Rodri was in disbelief when he was informed he’d won; he thought it was a prank.
Yes, Rodri is an exceptional player, a very solid midfielder. He was named the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner—a twist that, even at noon on the day of the award, no one expected. While he’s undeniably the best midfielder in the world, that doesn’t make him the best player in the world. Vinicius and Bellingham were both deserving of the title, especially Vinicius. In my view, the Ballon d’Or criteria weren’t even respected this time—the criteria are meant to consider stats, trophies, and class. Sure, Rodri won the Premier League, but he wasn’t even voted the best player in England; he was named best player at the Euros. He should’ve been on the podium, but as a runner-up, not as the Ballon d’Or winner.
Even Rodri was in disbelief when he was informed he’d won; he thought it was a prank. The claim that players are unaware of their win until the announcement has been proven false once again. There is no longer any transparency, and the Ballon d’Or desperately needs an overhaul. Football suffered a loss that night. With everything Vinicius accomplished in the Champions League, La Liga, the Spanish Super Cup, and the UEFA Super Cup—let’s not even get started on the Copa America or Brazil, which people seem to brush aside—he absolutely should have won.
Apart from George Weah, no African or Black player has won the Ballon d’Or. Don’t bring up Ronaldinho; he was Brazilian and almost considered white. Vinicius, unfortunately, seems “too Black” to win the Ballon d’Or. Even Bellingham’s race might have been a factor. It is evident that racism plays a role here. If Messi or Ronaldo had seasons like those of Vinicius or Bellingham, they would have won the Ballon d’Or without question. Messi won in 2021 simply for a Copa America victory, despite not making much impact in the Champions League.
When you’re a Black player, you must work twice as hard to gain recognition. Ask Sadio Mané in 2019, and again in 2022. Despite exceptional seasons, he didn’t even make the podium. It’s clear there’s an issue with how Black players are treated in the Ballon d’Or voting. Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, and others had similarly exceptional seasons yet never received the Ballon d’Or.
The Ballon d’Or accumulates questionable decisions year after year. Its credibility is suffering, and it no longer connects with football fans. Fans are becoming increasingly disinterested in football as a result. Even though Rodri had a great season in 2023-24, Vinicius Jr. should have been crowned.
After such a standout season, if Vinicius wasn’t awarded the Ballon d’Or, then when? Likely never. Vinicius is probably mentally shattered. I wouldn’t be surprised if he leaves Real Madrid next summer for Saudi Arabia. Last summer, he declined a golden offer with a 500-million-euro salary, but after this, he might just be fed up.
To Read: The Sinister Plot Against Mbappe: Who Really Wants to Ruin His Career?
Vinicius had a spectacular season, a stratospheric one. Look at the goals he scored, including his incredible sprint down the field that left defenders stunned. It’s honestly the scandal of the century. Some might argue that it’s refreshing to see a midfielder win instead of a forward. But Vinicius did something remarkable.
If Carvajal, who won even more trophies than Rodri this season, didn’t win, then what criteria are we left with? This calls into question the entire process. If Vinicius had been white, would he have won the Ballon d’Or? Supporters clearly wanted Vinicius; they chanted his name.
Why don’t we allow fans to vote? Let supporters have a say in this. Journalists and players clearly have biases, so let’s see what happens if we involve the fans. Vinicius’ stats from the 2023-2024 season speak for themselves: 39 matches, 24 goals, 11 assists, scorer in the Champions League final, champion of Spain, winner of both the Spanish and European Super Cups. What more could he have done?
It’s almost certain that, had he won the Copa America with Brazil, Vinicius would have taken home the Ballon d’Or. But international football, especially with one’s national team, still matters. Even Rodri showed the impact a strong season can have on an international level.
