Real Madrid teammates come out in support of Vinícius Jr. following Ballon d’Or snub | OneFootball

Vinícius Jr. (24) had been the strong favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year, however, ultimately it was Rodri (28) who received the prestigious prize during Monday’s ceremony in Paris.

Rodri’s victory has not been without controversy. Believing that Vinícius Jr. was deserving of the award and in anticipation of the snub, Real Madrid cancelled their delegation’s trip to the French capital. Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappé, Carlo Ancelotti, and Florentino Pérez were all set to fly to Paris on Monday afternoon but all instead stayed in Spain. Los Blancos accused the organisers of the Ballon d’Or, France Football, and UEFA of “disrespect”, whilst also cancelling their programmed Ballon d’Or special, due to be broadcast on Real Madrid TV.

Vinícius Jr. reacted to the news of Rodri’s victory on X (formerly Twitter). “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” he said. He wasn’t the only person to take to social media with club teammates Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni coming out in support of the Brazilian.

“Football Politics X: My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro,” said Camavinga. “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver,” said Tchouaméni.

GFFN | Luke Entwistle