Vinicius Jr., the Brazilian and Real Madrid talented forward, has maintained a commitment to combat racism despite the possibility that his activism may have robbed him of the Ballon d’Or 2024 award that was held on Monday, October 28, 2024.
His supporters, teammates, and club management have also voiced their discontent, praising him as the best player in the world despite the results.
The sensational forward took to his social media, expressing commitment against racism, after he was allegedly cheated, finishing as the runner-up in the prestigious award voting, coming in behind Spanish and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
“I will do it 10X if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius tweeted.
The Real Madrid football club’s management also decided to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony that was held in Paris, France, anticipating that their star and playmaker would not secure the men’s accolade.
They believe his commitment to challenging the system and bad vice in football might have influenced the outcome of the awards.
The Ballon d’Or awards process relies on votes cast by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations, and this year the ceremony was organized by France Football.
Vinicius, at 24 years of age, has faced racial abuse multiple times in the different European states where he has played, representing Real Madrid.
However, this has inspired the forward to work hard and deliver in football, as well as his activism against racism in sports.
Vinicius was instrumental in Real’s Champions League-La Liga double and was the heavy favorite to claim the Ballon d’Or award; hence, the decision on Rodri came as a huge surprise to world football.
Despite their absence from the ceremony, Real Madrid clinched the men’s club of the year award, while manager Carlo Ancelotti was honored as the men’s coach of the Year following a remarkable season where the team secured both the European and Spanish league titles.
