Vini Jr. wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or in a popular vote, sparking controversy over Rodri’s expected official award

The Ballon d’Or, one of the most prestigious individual awards in global football, has been surrounded by controversy in 2024. While Rodri, a key player for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, is the frontrunner for the official award, Brazilian star Vinicius Junior claimed a landslide victory in a popular vote conducted by the French newspaper L’Équipe. This divergence between the popular vote and the official jury’s decision has ignited intense debates among fans and football experts alike.

Vinicius Junior’s rise on the international stage

From his early days as a promising talent at Flamengo to becoming a star at Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior has consistently shone on the global football stage. During the 2023/24 season, the Brazilian forward was a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s success, helping them secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles. In 39 appearances for the club, he scored 24 goals and provided nine assists, performances that many believe made him a top contender for the Ballon d’Or.

However, the Ballon d’Or is determined by a panel of specialized journalists from around 100 countries, and despite Vinicius’s popularity among fans, it appears that Rodri will be the official recipient. In contrast, Vinicius secured 41.3% of the votes in the L’Équipe poll, while Rodri garnered only 13.5%. Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid followed in third place with 10.3%.

This significant gap between the popular and official votes has led many to question the criteria used to select the winner. Fans, especially in Brazil, have expressed their discontent, arguing that Vinicius’s standout performances in high-pressure matches should have guaranteed him the top prize. The absence of the Brazilian forward from the shortlist of final candidates has only fueled outrage on social media platforms.

Rodri: the likely official winner

While Vinicius Junior may have triumphed in the popular vote, Rodri is expected to be named the official Ballon d’Or winner in 2024. The Spanish midfielder was crucial in Manchester City’s historic treble-winning campaign, which included victories in the Premier League and the Champions League. His tactical intelligence, ability to control the tempo of the game, and influence on both defense and attack have made him indispensable for Pep Guardiola’s team and the Spanish national squad.

Though not as widely celebrated in the media as Vinicius, Rodri’s contributions on the field have been consistently lauded by football analysts, making him a top choice for the expert panel deciding the Ballon d’Or. His recognition as a key player in City’s success is viewed by many as a testament to his exceptional season, even if it lacks the individual flair that tends to attract the attention of fans.

Backlash on social media

Vinicius Junior’s exclusion from the official Ballon d’Or contenders list has sparked widespread outrage online. Brazilian and international fans alike have voiced their frustration, emphasizing the Brazilian forward’s importance to Real Madrid and to football as a whole. The hashtag #BallonDorWithoutVini trended on social media, with many calling into question the transparency and fairness of the official voting process.

Former players and public figures have also joined the conversation, some arguing that Vinicius was more decisive in key moments than some of the other candidates being considered. This ongoing controversy has only heightened the anticipation for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where the official winner will be crowned.

The Real Madrid perspective

At Real Madrid, the news that Vinicius Junior will not receive the Ballon d’Or was met with disappointment and criticism. The Spanish club, home to several past Ballon d’Or winners, expressed dissatisfaction, claiming that the award failed to adequately recognize Vinicius’s impact. Several of his teammates, along with coach Carlo Ancelotti, rallied behind the Brazilian, insisting that he deserved the prestigious recognition.

For a club of Real Madrid’s stature, having a player like Vinicius in contention for the Ballon d’Or is a point of pride, particularly after such a successful season. While the club acknowledges Rodri’s achievements, many at Madrid feel that Vinicius’s standout performances, especially in the biggest matches, should have earned him the prize.

Vinicius Junior’s bright future

Despite the disappointment of not winning the Ballon d’Or in 2024, Vinicius Junior’s future in football remains incredibly bright. Still young, the forward has consistently shown the potential to become one of the game’s greats in the coming years. His continued development at Real Madrid, combined with the strong support he receives from fans and fellow players, suggests that future individual accolades are within his reach.

Whether in the next season or in the years to come, it is likely that Vinicius will continue to be a top contender for the Ballon d’Or, especially if he maintains the level of performance that has made him one of the brightest stars in football today.

a moral victory for Vinicius Junior

Although Vinicius Junior may not take home the official Ballon d’Or in 2024, his overwhelming victory in the popular vote demonstrates the immense admiration and support he has garnered from fans worldwide. The controversy surrounding the award only further highlights the ongoing debate about the criteria used to crown the world’s best footballer. For many, Vinicius is already the moral victor, and his football journey is sure to bring more triumphs in the years ahead.