Cristiano Ronaldo, never one to shy away from controversy, has taken a jab at the Ballon d’Or for snubbing Vinícius Jr., calling the decision “unfair” while showering praise on the Globe Soccer Awards for their so-called “honesty.” Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards, where Vinícius won the Best Men’s Player accolade, Ronaldo was honest with his comment. “Vinícius Jr. should have won the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, it was clear. It was unfair. This is why I love the Globe Soccer Awards; they are honest,” he declared, leaving no room for doubt about his stance.
The ceremony, a gathering of football’s elite, saw Vinícius Jr. also bag the Best Forward award after a season that had fans and pundits alike singing his praises. His Real Madrid teammate, Jude Bellingham, wasn’t left out either, claiming the Best Midfielder award and the Maradona Award in recognition of his meteoric rise in the sport. Meanwhile, Ronaldo himself, because why not, received a nod as the Top Goalscorer of All Time, further strengthening his already glittering legacy.
The event celebrated other notable figures as well. Jorge Mendes, Ronaldo’s long-time agent, took home the Best Agent award, while Carlo Ancelotti added another trophy to his mantelpiece as Best Coach. Real Madrid President Florentino Pérez received a Special Career Award, and, unsurprisingly, Real Madrid was named Best Club. On the women’s side, Aitana Bonmatí was crowned Best Women’s Player, with FC Barcelona Femení taking Best Women’s Club honours.
Meanwhile, back at the Ballon d’Or, drama brewed. The prestigious award went to Manchester City’s Rodri, whose stellar year included lifting the Premier League trophy and leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory. Yet his victory caused problems, given that Vinícius was widely regarded as the front-runner, following Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League triumphs. Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony entirely, accusing its organizers of disrespecting their Brazilian star.
While Rodri’s Player of the Tournament accolade at Euro 2024 was undoubtedly impressive, the snub of Vinícius left many questioning the Ballon d’Or’s credibility. It seems Ronaldo wasn’t the only one unimpressed.
