Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has spoken out for the first time about Vinícius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or snub, as the young Brazilian star missed out on football’s most coveted individual award, Soccernet.football reports.
The issue has generated significant discussion in Madrid since Vinícius, once seen as a frontrunner for the prize, was passed over in favor of Manchester City’s Rodri.
Real Madrid’s support for Vinícius was evident in their actions following the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, with the club staging a complete boycott upon learning of their player’s omission.
Ancelotti, addressing the media ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League clash with AC Milan, was inevitably asked for his take on the matter.
The Italian manager, known for his measured responses, remained diplomatic.
He remarked, “I congratulate whoever won at the Ballon d’Or awards but my Ballon d’Or was won on June 1st, in the Champions League final.”
Ancelotti’s squad, refreshed after a ten-day break, will face AC Milan at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday in their first match since a humbling 4-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clasico.
Notably, forward Rodrygo Goes has been named in the squad after recovering ahead of schedule from a muscle injury that kept him out of the Clasico.
Defender Antonio Rudiger, who suffered from muscle overload, is also set to return, while key players Thibaut Courtois, Dani Carvajal, and David Alaba remain sidelined.
Youth prospects Sergio Mestre and Fran Gonzalez have been called up by Ancelotti, while fellow talent Jesus Fortea remains with Juvenil A as they prepare for a crucial Youth League matchup against Milan.
