Vinicius Jr.'s Team Suggests Anti-Racism Advocacy Contributed to Ballon d'Or Loss
MADRID, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Vinicius Jr., the forward for Brazil and Real Madrid, declared on Monday that he would persist in his fight against racism, regardless of whether it influenced the outcome of the Ballon d'Or, as reported by insiders to Reuters.
After being ranked second in the esteemed award voting, behind Spain and Manchester City's midfielder Rodri, Vinicius voiced his thoughts on social media.
"I'd do it 10 times over. They're not prepared," was Vinicius's statement on social platform X, following Real Madrid's decision to forego attending the ceremony in Paris, in anticipation of him not receiving the men's award.
When questioned about the meaning behind his post, Vinicius's representatives explained to Reuters that it pertained to his battle against racism and that they suspect this advocacy was the reason for not winning the award, adding that "the football community is not yet ready to embrace a player who stands against the establishment."
The 24-year-old Brazilian international has faced racial discrimination multiple times in Spain, resulting in at least two convictions for racist remarks in landmark cases within the nation.
Real Madrid also secured the men’s club of the year accolade, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was honored as men’s coach of the year, following their success in winning both the European and Spanish league titles in an almost flawless season last year.
France Football, the organizer of the Ballon d'Or awards, could not be reached for immediate comment.
The awards are determined by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations casting their votes.
"FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no trophy can change that. Love you, bro," Real Madrid's Eduardo Camavinga expressed on social platform X, with numerous teammates also posting messages and photos of Vinicius, affirming, "You are the best".
"I waited the whole year for Vini Jr to be rightfully acknowledged as the world's best player, and now they tell me the Ballon d'Or isn't for him?" questioned Brazilian football legend Marta in an Instagram video.
Vinicius played a pivotal role in Real Madrid's Champions League-LaLiga double, alongside 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, who scored 19 goals in an impressive debut season and helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, placing third in the Ballon d'Or rankings.
