The absence of any Real Madrid representatives at the recent Ballon d’Or ceremony sparked considerable speculation, with initial reports suggesting that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. had played a key role in the decision.
However, in a press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s Champions League Round of 16 first leg, Vinicius Jr. provided clarification, stating that the decision not to attend the ceremony was made by the club itself. His comments address earlier speculation and offer insight into the club’s decision-making process.
Vinicius Jr. directly addressed the earlier reports, stating, “It was the club that decided not to go to the Ballon d’Or gala. And I always do what the club tells me: they asked me to stay in Madrid, and that’s what I did.” This statement directly refutes previous claims suggesting that Vinicius himself had orchestrated Real Madrid’s absence from the event. His comments emphasize his respect for the club’s decision and his willingness to comply with the club’s directives.
Vinicius Jr.’s reaction to the Ballon d’Or result
The Ballon d’Or award was won by Manchester City’s Rodri. While Vinicius Jr. was considered a strong contender, he displayed a mature response to the outcome of the voting, stating, “People vote for what they believe. I have my thoughts, and my teammates do too. Of course, when you’re close to winning the Ballon d’Or, you want to win it, but I’ll have many opportunities to do it again.” This mature and level-headed response contrasts with the earlier speculation surrounding the team’s absence from the ceremony.
Real Madrid’s decision not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, whatever the rationale, raised questions about the club’s relationship with the award and its overall approach to individual accolades.
The absence generated considerable discussion and speculation, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the prestigious award and its perceived importance within the soccer world. The subsequent clarification from Vinicius Jr. provides context and clarity, but this event continues to spark debate about the award’s status in the context of team performance and individual recognition.
