Real Madrid winger was favourite to win award, but allegedly punished for his antiracism activism
09 December 2024 - 05:00
The award of the recent Ballon d’Or for the best European-based footballer to Spain’s 28-year old Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, instead of the red-hot favourite, Real Madrid’s 24-year-old Afro-Brazilian winger, Vinícius “Vini” Jr, is the most controversial decision in the 68-year history of this competition. Just before the award was announced in Paris, the assembled players, coaches, and administrators were chanting Vinícius’s name.
This decision was particularly curious as Real Madrid (which boycotted the award ceremony), won the team and coach of the year awards for their record-extending 15th European Champions League win, during which Vinícius had been named the best player of the competition, breaking Argentine legend, Lionel Messi’s record of being the youngest player to score in two finals...