Brazilian and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr stated on Monday that he will continue to combat racism, even if his activism contributed to his not winning the Ballon d’Or, according to sources close to the player who spoke to Reuters.
After finishing second in the voting for the prestigious award, behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri, Vinicius expressed his feelings on social media. “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” he posted on X after Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony in Paris, anticipating that Vinicius would not win the men’s award. When asked about the meaning behind his post, his management team clarified to Reuters that it pertained to his ongoing battle against racism.
They believe his activism played a role in him not winning the award, stating, “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”
The 24-year-old Brazilian international has faced racial abuse multiple times in Spain, resulting in at least two convictions for racist insults, marking significant legal precedents in the country.
Real Madrid also won the Men’s Club of the Year award, and their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, was named men’s coach of the year after leading the team to a European and Spanish league double in a nearly flawless season last year.
France Football, which organizes the Ballon d’Or awards, was not immediately available for comment.
The awards are determined by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked nations.
“FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro,” posted Real’s Eduardo Camavinga on X. Several teammates echoed this sentiment, sharing messages and photos of Vinicius, proclaiming, “You are the best.” Brazilian football legend Marta expressed her disappointment in a video on Instagram, stating, “I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognized as the best player in the world, and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him.”
Vinicius played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s Champions League-La Liga double, alongside 21-year-old Jude Bellingham, who scored 19 goals in an impressive debut season and helped England reach the Euro 2024 final, finishing third in the Ballon d’Or rankings.
