Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr was the heavy favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024 given he led Real Madrid to their 15th Champions League and 36th La Liga crown. However, on Tuesday  Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has instead won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius Jr. This news left many football fans fuming as they slammed France Football and UEFA claiming that Ballon d’Or has lost all its credibility. 

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Ballon d’Or 2024 voting breakdown: How Rodri edged over Vinicius Jr.?

The margin by which Rodri defeated runner-up Vinícius Júnior to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or was disclosed in a report by L’Equipe. Ahead of the Brazilian striker for Real Madrid, the Spanish midfielder grabbed the esteemed prize.

With Los Blancos, Vinícius Júnior had an outstanding 2023–24 season collecting 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 games across every level. Real Madrid’s success was much aided by his services, which included three major titles—a second La Liga and UEFA Champions League double in only three years.

Conversely, Rodri had an outstanding season at Manchester City. In 50 games at all levels, the 27-year-old midfielder earned 14 assists and nine goals. Rodri subsequently became instrumental in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, scoring once in six games, and helped City land a remarkable fourth straight Premier League championship.

L’Equipe tweeted (translated from French) that Rodri won the esteemed Ballon d’Or award by a meagre margin of only 41 points and has since made it clear that the contest was rather close.

Since Cristiano Ronaldo won it while at Manchester United in 2008, Rodri’s Ballon d’ Or represents the first for a Premier League player after almost 16 years. Conversely, entering the ranks of luminaries like Ronaldo, Vinícius Júnior was hoping to be the fourth different player from Real Madrid to win the coveted trophy in the previous eight years. Given his hard work and dedication he is likely to win it in the coming years as the winger intends to follow the footsteps of the great Cristiano Ronaldo.