Ballon d'Or 2024 'should have gone to a Real Madrid player', says club president Florentino Perez
Published 24/11/2024 at 21:57 GMT
React to this story
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez insisted that this year's Ballon d’Or should have been won by a Real Madrid player. Los Blancos boycotted the award's ceremony after reports emerged that Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri had won the award. Perez said that one of Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal or Jude Bellingham should have claimed the award instead.
'We will suffer for a long period' - Amorim after Man Utd debut ends with draw
Video credit: SNTV
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez said it is "hard to explain" how Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or over one of his club's players.
The La Liga champions boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris last month, after their forward Vinicius Junior was beaten to the men’s award by Manchester City’s Rodri.
Madrid players and staff were absent from the ceremony, despite manager Carlo Ancelotti and forward Kylian Mbappe both winning individual honours while the Spanish giants were named club of the year.
Alongside Vinicius, who played a starring role in his side's UEFA Champions League triumph last season, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham were also in contention for the honour.
Explaining the decision to boycott the event, Perez said during his speech at the club’s assembly: "Rodri deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year. This year, it should have gone to a Real Madrid player, no matter the criteria.
"Whether it was Vinicius, as the global fanbase demanded; our captain Dani Carvajal, if extra weight was given for his Euro performances; or even Jude Bellingham.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/11/20/4063650-82410648-2560-1440.png)
'I can take the fight to racism' - Vinicius keen to use his 'strength of speech'
Video credit: SNTV
"It’s hard to explain why no Madrid player won. Strange things happened."
He added: "We’re proud to have a player like Vinicius Junior. For us, and for most fans and football lovers, he’s the best player in the world.
"‘Dear ‘Vini,’ Madridistas are proud of you for your sacrifice and perseverance through everything you’ve endured, often unfairly."
City and Spain midfielder Rodri trumped Vinicius to pick up his maiden Ballon d'Or, after leading Spain to Euro 2024 glory while also playing a key role in clinching City's fourth consecutive Premier League title.
The 28-year-old became the first Spanish player to win the men's award since Luis Suarez in 1960, and the first Premier League player to claim the prize since Cristiano Ronaldo 16 years ago.
As media reports broke suggesting Rodri would win the Ballon d’Or, Madrid released a statement to AFP and Spanish media announcing their boycott.
"If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner," the club said.
"As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."
Stream the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and more on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement