Rodri, 28, claimed the Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season, where he helped Spain secure the Euro 2024 title, and won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup with Manchester City.
Despite facing strong competition from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham (who finished third), as well as Dani Carvajal in fourth, Rodri emerged victorious, becoming the first player in Manchester City’s history to win the award.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or has stirred a massive debate over “football politics” and accusations of racial bias, following Manchester City’s Rodri being named the world’s best player while Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid came second.
Fans and players alike were shocked by the results, questioning if the Ballon d’Or 2024 was one of football’s biggest robberies or a case of racial bias against Black players like Vinicius. Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga openly criticized the results, implying that forces beyond performance influenced the decision.
Camavinga and Madrid Teammates Show Support for Vinicius Jr. After Ballon d’Or “Snub”
As the Ballon d’Or results were announced, Camavinga took to social media to back Vinicius Jr. with the message: “Football politics. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise.” Camavinga’s comment fueled speculation about racial biases within the awards. Several Madrid teammates also voiced their support, openly expressing disappointment over what many consider an unjust result:
- Federico Valverde: “No award can acknowledge how great you are. I’m not just talking about on the pitch but off it as well.”
- Aurelien Tchouameni: “Nothing can erase what you’ve achieved. They’re not ready for what you’re bringing.”
- Andriy Lunin: Shared an edited image of Vinicius with a drawn-on Ballon d’Or medal, captioned, “You’re the best.”
Vinicius Jr., who had consistently shown Ballon d’Or-worthy performances, hinted that there’s much more to come from him, saying, “They’re not ready” for what he has planned next.
Despite having one of his best seasons, Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after leaked reports suggested Vinicius Jr. would not win.
Real Madrid won the Club of the Year award, and Carlo Ancelotti took home the Men’s Coach of the Year title, with no club representatives there to receive them.
Beyond the usual football rivalries, fans are questioning whether racial biases played a part in Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or loss. Supporters argue that Black players, regardless of performance, often face a tougher climb to the top in award circuits. Vinicius’ Madrid teammates pointedly hinted at this by citing “football politics,” implying that racial discrimination may have factored into the final decision.
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