Ballon d’Or 2024: Man City Boss Aims Subtle Dig at Vinicius After Rodri Won Prestigious Prize

• Pep Guardiola appeared to chide Vinicius Junior for abstaining from the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards ceremony
• The Spanish tactician's assertion comes on the heels of Vinicius' decision to stay away from Monday night's event
• Meanwhile, an insider from France Football has explained why the Brazilian lost the prize to Rodri

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola had pointed words for Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid forward missed the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, where City’s own Rodri claimed the award.

Guardiola, who was among the nominees for best coach, took a thinly veiled swipe at Vinicius’s absence from the Paris gala.

Vini, Madrid miss Ballon d'Or Awards as Rodri wins

Reports from Spain indicated that Vini Jr. and the Real Madrid camp abstained from attending after learning he would not receive the prestigious prize.

Read also

How Real Madrid players reacted after Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or

The decision not to participate raised eyebrows, with some labelling the move as unsportsmanlike.

Reactions to the news:

Here are some of the responses from fans.

@JosephA08715533:

"They still trying to recover from Barca."

@Tripple____M:

"Manchester City bought the award for Rodri."

@oliverp:

"Nobody needs them if they don't respect the vote of 100 journalists, please don't let them participate in the 2025 Clubs World Cup."

@angusnegrin:

"Respect to Real Madrid."

@m_adnanjamil:

"It’s disappointing to see Real Madrid take such a strong stance. Vinicius Jr’s talent deserves recognition."

@Oliver_Bennet_:

"Drama alert! What a wild night!"

@Mo_Arsenal9:

"Such cry babies."

@Iyaka_naA_budu:

"They don't have to boycott."

Meanwhile, Rodri made history as the first Spaniard to lift the prestigious trophy since 1960, marking a monumental achievement for both him and Manchester City, per Flashscore.

Guardiola reflected on the evening’s events, acknowledging that Vinicius would have been a deserving recipient.

Read also

Fans convinced Ballon d'Or took a swipe at Vinicius Jr after telling social media post

Guardiola appears to criticise Vinicius

But he noted that the Brazilian’s absence contrasted with Erling Haaland’s appearance last year when Lionel Messi took home his record-breaking eighth Ballon d'Or.

“If Vini would have won Ballon d'Or, it would have been more than well deserved! Like last season with Haaland, and he didn’t win,” Guardiola shared, as reported by Centre Goals.

“And he was there, he was happy, and congratulated Messi and OK, let’s try to do next season if we can be there again.”

Guardiola’s comments subtly reinforced the importance of sportsmanship and resilience in pursuing football’s most coveted honours, qualities he values in his players as they strive for greatness.

Reason why Vinicius lost Ballon d'Or

In related news, Briefly News reported that France Football’s chief editor, Vincent Garcia, explained why Vinicius Junior ultimately missed out on the Ballon d'Or.

Read also

Mbappe, Bellingham silence after Vinicius Jr's Ballon d'Or loss raises questions

In a surprise announcement, Manchester City’s Rodri claimed the award, becoming the first Spaniard since 1960.

Vinicius had initially been the favourite following an outstanding season in which he led Real Madrid to triumph in both the League and the Champions League.

Source: YEN.com.gh