Real Madrid and Brazil player Vinicius Junior expressed his disappointment because the voters passed him over for the top honor after he finished second in the men’s Ballon d’Or competition. Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri claimed the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or after his exceptional 2023–24 season, which helped his team win the English Premier League for the fourth consecutive time.
Additionally, Rodri was a key member of the Spanish national squad, helping them overcome England 2-1 in July in the 2024 Euros in Germany. He received the title of Player of the Tournament. The 28-year-old defensive midfielder, who finished the previous season with 14 assists across all competitions, was crucial for both his club and his nation, giving defensive solidity and crucial passes.
Rodri also scored 10 goals in the 2023–24 campaign. With this victory, he becomes the first player from the Premier League to win the Ballon d’Or since Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Vinicius, 24, renowned for his outstanding, game-winning football exploits and his battle against racism in sports, went to X after Rodri’s triumph and declared, “I’ll do it 10x if I have to.” They aren’t prepared.
Although it’s unclear exactly what the striker wants to accomplish ten times, Vinicius clearly demonstrates disappointment and tenacity. He will undoubtedly feel inspired to keep scoring goals, win awards, and advocate for significant social causes—most notably racism—whenever necessary. The football player has occasionally been the target of racist remarks from football supporters over the years, and both football and the larger sports community have praised and backed his efforts to combat this.
The English midfielder and Vinicius’ Real Madrid colleague finished third in the Ballon d’Or competition. Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona Femeni, meantime, won the women’s Ballon d’Or for the second time in a row.
The Kopa Trophy for the finest male player under 21 went to Barcelona wonder child and Spanish winger Lamine Yamal, while Emiliano Martinez, the goalkeeper for Aston Villa and Argentina, received the Lev Yashin Trophy for the second consecutive year.
