Brazilian was surpassed by Spaniard Rodri, from Manchester City

On a day marked by controversy with the election of Spaniard Rodri to the Ballon d’Or award, awarded in partnership between France Football magazine and UEFA, Real Madrid striker Vinícius Júnior expressed his indignation with the choice. The Brazilian was the most likely to win the prize, but ended up in second place.

“I will do 10x if necessary. They are not prepared”, wrote the Real Madrid player, minutes after the winner was announced.

Champion of the Champions League and the Spanish Championship last season, being highlighted in both competitions, Vini Júnior was considered the favorite for the best player award, but ended up being ousted by Rodri, who was champion of the Premier League and the Club World Cup, with the Manchester City, and the European Championship, with the Spanish national team.

For part of the press, players, managers and fans, the Brazilian’s fight against racism was one of the factors that prevented the striker from winning the award. Vini Jr. has been an exponent against racial prejudice in European football and, therefore, collects dislikes. The winner is chosen through an election with journalists from all over the world.

Upon learning that Vini would not win the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid vetoed the participation of its representatives in the ceremony and questioned the existence of the award. The Spanish club was voted the best team last season and had Carlo Ancelotti as the best coach. As there was no representative in Paris, the trophies were not presented on stage. Englishman Bellingham was also in contention for the main prize.

Vini Jr.’s teammates on the Brazilian national team and Real Madrid also expressed outrage. Frenchman Camavinga stated that the Brazilian does not need the award to prove his talent.

“My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. I love you my brother”, he wrote on his social networks.