Real Madrid and Brazil star Vinicius Junior took to social media on Monday night to react to his surprising Ballon d’Or snub, Soccernet.football reports.
Vinicius was widely anticipated to win the award presented by France Football, especially after playing a key role in leading Los Blancos to a La Liga and Champions League double last season.
However, it soon became clear that the 25-year-old would not be taking home the prize, as Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the honor later that evening. No Real Madrid players were present at the event, in protest of the decision.
Vinicius hinted at his dissatisfaction with the outcome, suggesting he will now give his all to win the Ballon d’Or in the future.
Taking to social media platform X, the Brazilian posted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Monday night’s snub denied Vinicius the chance to join a host of legendary Galacticos who had previously cupped the prestigious award.
The likes of Alfredo Di Stefano, Raymond Kopa, Luis Figo, Ronaldo Nazzario, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Kareem Benzema all won the Ballon d’Or while doing exploits at the Spanish capital.
Los Blancos’ Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy with Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane, while Carlo Ancelotti received the men’s Coach of the Year award.
The reigning La Liga champions were also named the best men’s team of 2024. However, their decision to boycott the event made for an awkward atmosphere in Paris, particularly following their recent humiliating loss to Barcelona in El Clasico.
