Real Madrid president Perez slams journalists from 4 countries for Ballon d'Or vote, reveals why the club didn't attend the ceremony
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has slammed journalists from four countries who did not vote for Vinicius Jr for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. He also opened up on the reasons why the club did not attend the award ceremony.
Vinicius Jr was widely expected to win the Ballon d'Or. Last season, he scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 games, driving the club to La Liga and UEFA Champions League glory. However, when Los Blancos learned that he would not win the award, they decided against attending the gala.
Manager Carlo Ancelotti was named the best men's coach of the year, while Real Madrid were named the best men's club of the year. However, there were no delegates to receive these awards on the night. Now, president Florentino Perez has opened up on their decision to snub the award gala.
Speaking at an event, he questioned the reasons behind a number of journalists who did not vote for Vinicius Jr (via GOAL):
"If the journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania and Finland had 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."
Perez continued:
"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."
Real Madrid will certainly be looking to ensure their players are among the best in the world when next year's edition of the award gala comes around.
Florentino Perez makes it clear that the Ballon d'Or should have been given to a Real Madrid player
Florentino Perez has made it clear that the Ballon d'Or should have been handed to a Real Madrid player. Speaking at the club's General Assembly, he explained that Rodri - the eventual winner, should have won it in 2023, rather than 2024 (via Football Espana):
“I want to say Rodri is a great footballer and, he is from Madrid, he has our affection. He deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year, but last year. This one was for a Real Madrid player.
"The clamour was for Vinicius, but it could have been for our captain, Carvajal. Or even Bellingham. It’s very difficult to explain.”
Rodri went home with the award after an impressive season with Manchester City, where he led them to their fourth Premier League title in a row. He also won Euro 2024 with Spain.
