Manchester United Legend Calls Vinicius Jr “Classless” After Ballon d’Or Drama

Manchester United Legend Calls Vinicius Jr “Classless” After Ballon d’Or Drama

  • Vinicius Junior was beaten to the 2024 Ballon d'Or award by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri
  • The Real Madrid star refused to travel to the ceremony after learning he had lost to Rodri, a decision that sparked mixed reactions
  • Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has criticised Vinicius Jr's actions and said Rodri deserved to win

Manchester United legend and football legend has called out Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior for his actions after learning he wasn't winning the Ballon d'Or.

The Brazilian was a favourite to win the award after leading Real Madrid to Champions League and La Liga glory.

However, a leak before the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony indicated that Manchester City midfielder Rodri had won the award.

Vinicius Junior scored in the 2024 Champi0ons League final for Real Madrid
Vinicius Junior was the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. Photo by Diego Souto.
Source: UGC

Moments after, a social media storm followed, with many claiming Vini Jr. was robbed. The Real Madrid winger was criticised for failing to attend the event.

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Karim Benzema shares conversation with Vini Jr after his Ballon d'Or loss

The Spanish giants were slammed for their actions all week. Fans, pundits, former and current players were not happy with their decision.

Gary Neville blasts Vini Jr

Rodri became the fourth Spanish player to win it after a great season for club and country. He helped Man City win their fourth straight Premier League title and led Spain to the 2024 European Championship.

Gary Neville believes Rodri deserved to win but was unimpressed with the reaction after Vini Jr lost.

"I’m quite offended by the reaction towards Vinicius Jr not winning by, to be fair, his fellow professionals as well," Neville said on The Overlap US via Metro Sports.
"Vinicius is a star, he’s a wonderful player, but the idea that Rodri doesn’t deserve to win it is just plain wrong."

Read also

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

The legendary right-back called out the behaviour of the 24-year-old winger.

"Vinicius is a special talent, he’s amazing, he’s going to win it one day, I’m sure, but the idea that you try and take the glory away… I get it, he’s a fans’ player, he’s a players’ player, he’s somebody who will be respected all around the world and a good man… I just think it is classless."

How Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or

In another report, Briefly News broke down how Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.

Real Madrid was left red-faced after their Brazilian superstar was ignored for the award. The voters consider three criteria before deciding on the winner.

How much Rodri will earn after winning Ballon d'Or

At the same time, Briefly News has reported on how much Rodri will get after winning the Ballon d'Or.

Read also

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

It might be the most lucrative individual award in football, but the winner does not receive any monetary gains.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke

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Viginia Akinyi avatar

Viginia Akinyi (sports editor) Viginia Akinyi is the current import editor at Briefly News. She holds a B.Sc. in Communication and Public Relations from Moi University and has previously worked with Lolwe TV, Daily Nation Eldoret Bureau and SportsBrief.com. Email: viginia.akinyi@briefly.co.za