Bellingham Questions Ballon d'Or Decision, Insists Real Madrid Star Should Have Won

• The 2024 Ballon d'Or Award is now water under the bridge after Man City's Rodri edged out Vinicius to the prize almost a fortnight ago
• Rodri emerged as the surprise winner of the 68th edition of the most coveted individual honour in football
• While it is a foregone conclusion, Jude Bellingham has explained why a Real Madrid player should have won the gong

Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham believes his teammate Vinicius Junior deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, which was ultimately awarded to Manchester City’s Rodri.

Vinicius was among the leading contenders after an exceptional season, scoring 24 goals and playing a pivotal role in Real Madrid's success.

His contributions helped the club secure three trophies, including their second La Liga-Champions League double in three years.

Despite his achievements, the Brazilian finished behind Rodri in the final voting.

Ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Premier League leaders Liverpool on Wednesday night, 28 November, Bellingham praised Vinícius Júnior's credentials, stating he deserved the Ballon d'Or over Rodri.

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"I think when we won the Champions League, this was our Ballon d'Or, the recognition that we were the best team in Europe," He said via Madrid Zone.

I think it was more deserved for one from Madrid, especially for Vini. Rodri is a fantastic player, but I think someone from Madrid deserved it."

Reactions to the news:

Here are some of the responses from netizens.

@kevinh_18:

"Jude Bellingham know the real winner."

@UtdZeyn:

"He knows ball."

@IsrAr_Awan01:

"He is a very intelligent man and gave the answer to every question very sensibly."

@asassboy1:

"Man really know how to speak, I see a future Madrid captain here."

@King__Vibes:

"Give him a lifetime contract."

Bellingham acknowledged that Vinícius' injury-related absence is a concern for Real Madrid but expressed confidence in the squad’s ability to secure a positive result at Anfield.

"He added: Vini is one of the best players in the world ... if not the best. It is a significant loss, but I have full faith that the rest of the team can replace him. It is each of our responsibilities to step up in his absence."

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What's next for Real Madrid?

Ahead of their showdown with Liverpool, Bellingham and his Real Madrid teammates boast seven wins from 11 UEFA Champions League encounters with the Reds, including victories in their last three meetings.

However, Real Madrid entered the clash on the back of a 3-1 home defeat to AC Milan on matchday four, their second loss in four games, per the Athletic.

Carlo Ancelotti’s defending champions currently sit 18th in the standings, six points behind Liverpool, the only team to have won all four opening games this season.

Vinicius opens up after Ballon d'Or heartbreak

In an earlier article, Briefly News reported that Vinicius shared his reaction after just missing out on the Ballon d'Or.

The Brazilian standout was considered a top contender for the award but ultimately went to Manchester City’s Rodri.

Notably, neither Vinicius nor Real Madrid representatives were present at Paris's 68th Ballon d'Or ceremony.

Source: YEN.com.gh