Real Madrid president Florentino Perez blames Ugandan and Namibian journalist for Vini’s Ballon d’Or Loss

Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, criticized journalists from four nations who overlooked Vinicius Junior during the Ballon d’Or voting process.

Rodri’s victory at the Ballon d’Or in Paris this year has sparked mixed opinions within the football community. While some view the Manchester City player as a deserving winner of the Golden Ball, numerous analysts and former players feel that the Brazilian was denied the honor.

In the midst of the ongoing discussions surrounding the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, condemned journalists from four countries for totally disregarding the Brazilian in their voting. Vinicius Jr had an outstanding performance in the 2023/24 club season, significantly contributing to Los Blancos’ triumphs in the Champions League and La Liga. Meanwhile, Rodri clinched the Premier League title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season and played a key role in Spain’s second European Championship win.

During an event, the Real president remarked, “If the journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania and Finland had not voted, Vinicius would be the Ballon d’Or [winner]. These countries did not give Vinicius a single vote. Not one! The Finn, at least, has resigned. And he has said that he will not be part of the jury again. Look, I appreciate it.”The Ballon d’Or must be organised independently and the votes for this award must be in the hands of people of recognised prestige, the coaches, so that everyone understands that their reputation is also at stake with their vote. We do not know who voted for them, from countries we do not know. For all these reasons, Real Madrid considered it appropriate not to attend this edition of the Ballon d’Or gala.”