In a rare public rebuke, Real Madrid’s President Florentino Pérez Has Openly Criticized Some Journalists for their Vote in the 2024 Ballon d’Or
The annual Ballon d’Or award is always met with great fanfare, and this year was no exception. The 2024 edition took place in Paris, with Manchester City’s Rodri emerging as the winner. While the decision sparked controversy, one player in particular remains at the center of the debate: Vinicius Junior, a highly talented forward who played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success.
The outcome has left many football fans and analysts stunned, wondering how Vinicius could have been overlooked in favor of Rodri. In the wake of the announcement, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Pérez, has been vocal in his disappointment, specifically criticizing a small group of journalists for their lack of support for Vinicius.
According to an interview with Tuttosport, Pérez pointed out the shocking absence of votes for Vinicius from four specific countries: Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland. No votes were allocated to the Brazilian forward from these nations, which if true, would have likely resulted in a different winner.
“Without the votes from these countries, Vinicius would have been the Ballon d’Or winner,” Pérez emphasized, his frustration palpable.
It’s worth noting that the Finnish journalist responsible for not voting for Vinicius has since resigned from the voting panel, expressing gratitude for his decision. While this development brings a sense of closure, the Spanish football administrator underscored the importance of accountability in the voting process for this prestigious award.
“I appreciate it,” Pérez remarked, “but we must ensure that our voting members are committed to upholding the integrity of the award.”
The debate surrounding Vinicius’s exclusion from the top honors continues to rage on, with fans and experts alike debating the fairness of the voting process. As the controversy simmers, only time will tell if changes will be made to ensure that a talented player like Vinicius receives the recognition he deserves.
