Ballon d’Or: ‘Vinicius Was the Clear Winner, It Was Unfair’ – Ronaldo

• Cristiano Ronaldo believes Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior deserved the 2024 Ballon d’Or over Manchester City’s Rodri.
• The Portugal captain called the decision “unfair” during the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
• Vinicius finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings, losing to Rodri, who received the highest votes.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his belief that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior deserved the 2024 Ballon d’Or, rather than Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Speaking at the 2024 Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on Friday evening, Ronaldo expressed disappointment over the outcome, calling it an injustice.

“Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or. In my opinion, it was clear,” Ronaldo stated. “It was UNFAIR. This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards, they are honest.”

Vinicius, who finished second in the Ballon d’Or rankings, lost to Rodri, who received the highest votes and was crowned the winner in Paris this October. In protest, Vinicius and Real Madrid officials boycotted the prestigious awards ceremony.