Cristiano Ronaldo Criticizes Ballon d’Or, Claims Vinicius Jr. Deserved to win the Golden Ball

The Portuguese football legend calls the Ballon d’Or decision ‘unfair’ and praises the Globe Soccer Awards for their transparency.

Dubai [UAE], December 28: Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo has publicly criticized the Ballon d’Or decision, asserting that Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior deserved the prestigious 2024 Men’s Player of the Year award over Manchester City’s Rodri.

Rodri, who played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title and led Spain to victory in the 2024 Euros, was crowned the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or winner in October. Despite his achievements, Ronaldo believes Vinicius had a stronger claim to the honor.

In November, Vinicius went on to win The Best FIFA Men’s Player of the Year and also received the Player of the Year award at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he received the Best Middle East Player award, Ronaldo expressed his views:
“In my opinion, Vinicius deserved to win the Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or]. It was unfair. They gave it to Rodri, and while he deserved it too, Vinicius won the Champions League and scored in the final.”

Ronaldo further praised the Globe Soccer Awards, highlighting their integrity:
“You know these galas, they always do the same thing. This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards—they are honest.”

Vinicius Junior’s Stellar Year:
Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League triumph and La Liga title victory. He emerged as the club’s top scorer with 24 goals across all competitions, including a crucial strike in the Champions League final.

However, on the international stage, his campaign with Brazil in the Copa America ended in disappointment, with the team crashing out in the quarter-final against Uruguay.

While the debate over individual accolades continues, Ronaldo’s support adds weight to the argument that Vinicius Junior had a remarkable season deserving of greater recognition.