Vinícius Júnior's camp is reflecting on the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony and its implications for his future career outside LaLiga.
At the moment, Vinícius Júnior and his entourage are reflecting on the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony. His agent, Frederico Pena, who is known for his analytical approach, has concluded that Vinícius's vote count was likely impacted by the presence of his Madrid teammates, potentially causing a vote split between him and Bellingham.
Vinícius Júnior's Dismay Over Ballon d’Or Snub
Vinícius's advisors are also considering the "class and fair play" criterion, which Ballon d’Or jurors were instructed to consider. They believe that the constant abuse he endures in Spanish stadiums and the perceived lack of protection from referees put him at a disadvantage. This, they feel, negatively impacts his on-field behavior.
These factors—split votes among Madrid players and the 'fair play' criterion—are believed to have cost Vinícius the Men’s Ballon d’Or, which was won by Rodri Hernández of Manchester City and Spain. Despite his public optimism, privately, Vinícius is deeply upset about missing the award.
Vinícius was widely expected to win the France Football award for the first time. He had invited around 50 people to Spain for a celebration and had planned a grand party in Madrid, including an appearance at a new Nike store opening. He was confident of winning the trophy.
Vinícius Júnior's Future Beyond Spain
Beyond the immediate disappointment, Vinícius's near-miss at the Ballon d’Or could affect his long-term future at Real Madrid. He is growing impatient with the lack of protection in LaLiga and the increasing racism he faces. Additionally, the arrival of stars like Kylian Mbappé at Madrid could affect his chances of winning individual awards in the future.
Saudi Soccer and Premier League as Potential Destinations
The combination of these factors poses a significant risk to Vinícius's relationship with Real Madrid and Spanish soccer. His agent negotiated a short-term contract extension to 2027 to keep control of his career. As one of the world's most potent attackers, Vinícius is on the transfer wish list of Europe's top clubs, especially in the Premier League and Paris Saint-Germain.
Furthermore, Vinícius is a target for Saudi soccer, with a massive bid from the Saudi Pro League last summer. Although Real Madrid's president rejected the offer, Vinícius was interested in the Saudi proposal, and his agents are open to discussing a potential move in the future.
Disappointments like the Ballon d’Or could push Vinícius towards Saudi soccer or the English Premier League.
