While highly coveted, the 2024 Ballon d'Or, an individual award in soccer, brought forth a plot twist that is already creating waves. The very early announcement of the award being given to Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City and the Spanish national team, instead of Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior, has truly set tongues wagging in the soccer fraternity. A decision of this nature made a number of people take sides and question the fairness of such a decision.
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Rodri and the Ballon d'Or Controversy
Journalist Fabrizio Romano, French radio RMC, and Spanish newspaper Marca have unveiled that Rodri will be the one to take the 2024 Ballon d'Or, which has already raised an uproar among fans and soccer analysts. Vinicius Junior, who was considered a favorite, along with the rest of Real Madrid representatives, will not go to Paris for the ceremony, a clear signal of discontent from the Spanish club. But why is this decision so indignation-filled? Rodri is a starter in Manchester City's setup and won the Euro 2024 with Spain, being named the best player of said tournament. Once again, was that enough to outweigh Vini Jr.'s impact last season? Let's break that down.
Stats and Impact: Vinicius Jr. vs. Rodri
In the event that individual performance, decisive impact on games, and achievements from a team perspective remain principal criteria for the Ballon d'Or, then, without a doubt, it will be difficult to look past this season's Vinicius Jr. The Brazilian forward contributed to 26 goals while providing 11 assists in 49 appearances and being crucial in Real Madrid's Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup triumphs. Besides all that, Vini Jr. won the recognition of best player of the Champions League and went on to the FIFA Team of the Year. Rodri was decent this season, but he wasn't even Manchester City's best player-that was Foden last season. In terms of comparable influence on the pitch and game decides between them, there's a gulf between the two.
And What About Bellingham?
Another name who featured prominently in this tussle is Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr. teammate at Real Madrid. He had a fantastic season with 26 goals and 15 assists in 53 games, and he amassed accolades like the Golden Boy award and the best young player of the Champions League. Many thought that if Vini Jr. was going to take it, this should be the natural heir to take the Ballon d'Or, not Rodri. If the decision had to go to a Spanish player, then Carvajal might have been a better pick since he also won Euro 2024 and titles with Real Madrid. But what really raised eyebrows is that no Real Madrid player was included in the best team. The feeling inside within the club is that other factors rather than those related to the field made up the decision. That Real would not have any representatives in Paris is an open protest-a way of showing that they felt offended.
Ballon d'Or Criteria: Who Decides and Why?
The Ballon d'Or jurors are sports journalists from 100 countries, selected according to FIFA's ranking. They are supposed to judge candidates based on three criteria: "individual performances, decisive and impressive character"; "team achievements"; and "class and fair play." Looking at Rodri's victory, many would wonder if these criteria were strictly adhered to. Vinicius Jr.'s season was full of clutch goals, game-changing dribbles, and a consistent ability to swing important matches. He led the attack of Real Madrid for victory and established himself as one of the most feared players in Europe. Rodri has been consistent, though bereft of that individual flair or pulling off magical plays that change a game's outcome. For many, it made the 2024 Ballon d'Or favor consistency over unique talent and the sheer magic on the field.
Vini's Absence and What It Means
His no-show at the ceremony says volumes for Vinicius Junior, and for that matter the whole Real Madrid team regarding that decision. Ever since Kaká took home the Ballon d'Or in 2007, a Brazilian player hadn't been honored. Vini Jr. appeared to be breaking that dry spell. Giving the award to Rodri despite Vinicius' stats and awards is, for many of them, a political move that ignores on-field performances. Real Madrid is one of the biggest clubs in the world, but it feels ignored by that decision, which, according to their view, did not reflect on the pitch. This frustration cannot be an issue of the fan's loyalty; otherwise, it is a basic sporting fairness. The message therefore is, very clear. The Ballon d'Or was therefore given out not to the best player for the 2024 season, but a story manufactured out of a pitch.