In the footballing world, few events stir as much emotion as the Ballon d’Or. It’s the golden moment when a player gets a gilded pat on the back for excellence on the pitch. But, as this year’s ceremony unfolds, Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid are left scratching their heads in disbelief. What was supposed to be a crowning moment turned into a whirlwind of controversy, leaving Real Madrid’s top brass fuming and their private jet grounded.
Let’s take a closer look at the drama unfolding between Madrid and Paris.
The Setup: Vinicius, Dressed and Ready for the Ballon d’Or
Imagine being 90% sure you’re going to win the award every footballer dreams of. That was Vinicius Jr.’s mindset as he prepared for his big night at the Ballon d’Or. The Brazilian star had everything meticulously planned – outfits, family, and celebrations. Rumours swirling in the media had fed into his excitement, with some even whispering he was the undisputed winner. Vinicius and his entourage were geared up, ready to fly to Paris and bask in the limelight.
Real Madrid was equally prepared, their collective confidence sky-high. With Vinicius delivering jaw-dropping performances last season, from the Champions League round of 16 to his blistering hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund this month, Madrid felt he was the obvious choice. The anticipation was so thick, you could cut it with a butter knife.
But as the Ballon d’Or day unfolded, that anticipation took a nosedive.
The Bombshell: No Ballon d’Or for Vinicius
The news broke like a poorly-timed tackle, leaving Real Madrid and Vinicius in shock. Midday, whispers reached Madrid that Vinicius would not be winning the Ballon d’Or after all. The shock spread like wildfire, eventually reaching the desk of Real Madrid’s President Florentino Pérez.
And trust us when we say, Pérez was not a happy man. Furious doesn’t quite cover it – the Madrid president was livid. Here was his star player, deemed worthy by Madrid’s loyal fan base and seemingly by everyone in the club, now unexpectedly robbed of football’s highest honour. Rumours swirled about last-minute votes, politics, and bias, as Madridistas across the board erupted on social media.
This wasn’t just about Vinicius missing out on the Ballon d’Or; it was a perceived slap in the face to Real Madrid’s prestige. The decision, according to those close to Madrid, was more than questionable – it was downright baffling.
No Plane to Paris: Real Madrid Stands Firm
Real Madrid doesn’t do disappointment quietly, and this was no exception. With little fanfare, they swiftly pulled the plug on Vinicius’ trip to Paris. The private plane meant to whisk Vinicius to the City of Lights stayed on the tarmac, leaving Vinicius and some other key Madrid stars – including manager Carlo Ancelotti and Jude Bellingham – in Madrid. No red carpet walk, no tuxedo, no photo ops. Madrid’s stance was crystal clear: if Vinicius wasn’t getting the Ballon d’Or, then why show up at all?
It’s worth noting that Vinicius’ agents, already in Paris and waiting for the ceremony with bated breath, were equally stunned. Here they were, geared up for their client’s big moment, only to find out he’d be staying put in Madrid. Let’s just say, their fancy Paris hotel rooms likely felt a bit less glamorous by lunchtime.
The Expected Winner: Rodri Steps In
With Madrid out of the picture, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri is now the favourite to clinch the coveted Ballon d’Or. Rodri’s season has been nothing short of exceptional, collecting trophies like a kid collects stickers. Pep Guardiola’s prized playmaker delivered a season of sheer brilliance, contributing significantly to City’s Treble-winning success and Spain’s Euro triumph.
Rodri was already in Paris, injured but determined, and reportedly with an entourage every bit as large as his resume. He’s worked hard, he’s won it all – Champions League, Premier League, and now, potentially, the Ballon d’Or. For Rodri, this could be the cherry on top of a trophy-laden season, and City fans everywhere are on tenterhooks awaiting the final decision.
Real Madrid’s Fury: Deserving or Just Sour Grapes?
While Madrid feels Vinicius was robbed, there’s a debate brewing. Vinicius undoubtedly lit up La Liga and the Champions League, proving himself a formidable force with a remarkable season. However, some argue his achievements didn’t quite reach the legendary standards Ballon d’Or winners are measured against.
For instance, Vinicius had a slower start to the season and faced a few ups and downs on the goal-scoring front, whereas Rodri remained a steady presence in City’s rise to European glory. But Madridistas argue Vinicius’ contributions in the Champions League, including a historic hat-trick against Borussia Dortmund, make him every bit as deserving.
Madrid’s fury has raised questions about how the Ballon d’Or winner is selected. While a player’s quality is vital, politics and media influence seem to play a notable role. And this has clearly left Real Madrid bitter, possibly feeling their star was snubbed for the sake of favouritism.
What’s Next for Vinicius and Real Madrid?
It’s certainly a letdown for Vinicius, who now must refocus on the upcoming La Liga and Champions League matches. Madridistas are expecting him to channel this setback into fiercer performances on the pitch. With crucial games against Milan and Valencia on the horizon, this disappointment might just be the fire Madrid needs to boost their season.
For Real Madrid, the snub is a rallying cry. They’ve made their displeasure public by refusing to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a bold statement for a club that rarely sits quietly on the sidelines. This episode has underscored the rivalry between Madrid and other European clubs, sparking debates across fanbases.
Madrid’s frustration also hints at deeper issues with the Ballon d’Or voting system. Who decides the “best” player? How much weight is given to trophies versus individual performances? And most importantly, is the process fair? These questions remain unanswered, adding fuel to Real Madrid’s fury.
Wrapping Up: Madrid’s Anger, Paris’ Loss
The absence of Real Madrid’s delegation from the Ballon d’Or ceremony may be a sore spot for fans, but it’s an even greater blow for the organisers. Imagine a Ballon d’Or gala without one of football’s most storied clubs and a fan favourite player – it’s like a red carpet with no stars.
Whether or not Vinicius truly deserved the award, Real Madrid’s reaction shows they won’t quietly accept a decision they feel is unjust. For Vinicius, it’s time to refocus and prove once more why he’s considered one of the world’s best. For Rodri, it’s a chance to celebrate a season of remarkable achievements. And for the rest of us, it’s another reminder that, in football, the drama never ends.
So, as the dust settles and the Ballon d’Or is handed over, one thing’s certain: Real Madrid and their fans will be watching closely, ready to come back even stronger next year. After all, they’re not just playing for trophies; they’re playing to prove a point. And when Real Madrid has a point to prove, well, you can be sure it’ll be spectacular.
