Vinícius Júnior Speaks Out on Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Boycott
In a recent press conference, Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior addressed the club’s decision to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where Manchester City midfielder Rodri was crowned the winner. The Brazilian clarified that the decision to skip the event was made by Real Madrid’s management, stating:
“It was the club that decided not to go to the Ballon d’Or gala. And I always do what the club tells me: they asked me to stay in Madrid, and that’s what I did.”
Vinícius was widely considered a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, with many believing he deserved the award over Rodri. However, after the Spanish midfielder claimed the prestigious accolade, Real Madrid opted to protest by not attending the ceremony.
Reflecting on the outcome, Vinícius remained composed:
“People vote for what they believe. I have my thoughts, and my teammates do too. Of course, when you’re close to winning the Ballon d’Or, you want to win it, but I’ll have many opportunities to do it again.”
In response to Real Madrid’s absence, Rodri emphasized the importance of sportsmanship, stating:
“You have to know how to win and how to lose. I have no problem with Vinícius or Real Madrid.”
Future at Real Madrid
Despite the Ballon d’Or controversy, Vinícius remains fully committed to Real Madrid and dismissed speculation about a potential move to another league. He expressed his desire to renew his contract, emphasizing his happiness at the club:
“I play with the best players, coach, and president, and I have the support of the fans. I’m happy here.”
The 24-year-old forward also acknowledged his continuous growth as a player:
“I do many things I shouldn’t do, but in every game, I’m improving.”
As Real Madrid gears up for crucial matches, including a Champions League showdown against Atlético Madrid, Vinícius remains focused on contributing to the team’s success and further cementing his legacy at the club.
