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. 

Also Read: Carlo Ancelotti Indirectly Voices Discontent Over Ballon d’Or Snubs for Vinicius Jr. & Dani Carvajal

Bayern Munich legend Franck Ribery mocks Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr. got snubbed for Rodri

After Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior came second, Franck Ribery has voiced his displeasure with the Ballon d’Or results, behind of Manchester City Rodri won the title. October 28, 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris’s Théâtre du Châtelet

Vinicius was seen as a strong candidate for the prize, up against fierce opposition from Rodri, prior to the ceremony. Real Madrid’s success owed much to the Brazilian winger, who helped them to win the La Liga and Champions League as well as the Supercopa de España. He finished as the top scorer for the team having scored 24 goals and given 11 assists in 39 games during the season.

Conversely, Rodri’s credentials strengthened his candidature: he won the Euro 2024 championship with Spain and the Premier League with Manchester City. For his club as well as the national team, the midfielder was a remarkable player all through the season.

Real Madrid’s delegation decided to refuse the Ballon d’Or awards before the event after finding out Vinicius Junior had lost to Rodri. The football community was very outraged by this choice as many of the supporters and players backed the Brazilian.

Legendary Bayern Munich player Franck Ribery also spoke on his own Instagram, poking light-hearted fun at the Ballon d’Or. He told a tale under “Ballon d’Or,” with three laughing emojis running alongside.

Jude Bellingham, Vinicius’ Real Madrid teammate, came in third, followed by Erling Haaland of Manchester City and Dani Carvajal.

Having registered eight goals and seven assists in 15 games across all competitions, the 24-year-old winger has started the 2024–25 season well.