Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his support for Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr., claiming the Brazilian was unfairly overlooked for this year’s Ballon d’Or award. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards on Friday, Ronaldo argued that Vinicius, who boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony along with his Real Madrid teammates, deserved the prize over eventual winner Rodri of Manchester City.
“In my opinion, he [Vinicius] deserved to win the Golden Ball [Ballon d’Or award],” Ronaldo stated. “It was unfair, in my opinion. I say here in front of everybody. They give it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.”
Vinicius has since been recognized for his outstanding performances, winning FIFA’s Best Men’s Player award and the Globe Soccer Best Men’s Player award. Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati also received the Globe Soccer Best Women’s Player award.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, aimed criticism at France Football magazine, organizers of the Ballon d’Or, stating: “You know these galas, they always do the same thing.” He then praised Globe Soccer, who presented him with the Best Middle East Player of 2024 award.
The Portuguese forward, who has been in prolific form since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023, also took a swipe at his former club, Manchester United, suggesting that their problems run deeper than just the manager.
“The problem of Manchester United is the same,” Ronaldo said. “The problem is not always the coach. It’s much more than that. If you have the fish inside and he’s sick and you take him out and you fix the problem and you put him again in an aquarium you will be sick again.”
Ronaldo’s comments are likely to spark debate and add fuel to the ongoing discussion about the fairness of individual awards in football.
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