Ronaldo backs Vinicius Jr in Ballon d’Or debate: ‘It was unfair’

Cristiano Ronaldo has voiced his support for Vinícius Júnior in the ongoing debate over the 2024 Ballon d'Or, insisting that the Real Madrid winger deserved the prestigious award.

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai on 27 December, Ronaldo described the decision to give the accolade to Manchester City's Rodri as "unfair."

"Vinícius Jr. should have won the Ballon d'Or. In my opinion, it was clear," said the Portuguese star, who has won the award five times himself. He praised the Globe Soccer Awards for their transparency, adding, "This is why I love the Globe Soccer Awards – they are honest."

Vinícius was widely regarded as a favourite for the Ballon d'Or after a spectacular season with Real Madrid, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 appearances.

His contributions were critical to Real Madrid's Champions League triumph, including a goal in the final, and their La Liga title win.

Despite this, the Ballon d'Or was awarded to Rodri, who played a key role in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign and Spain's Euro 2024 victory.

Rodri addressed the controversy diplomatically, saying, "I have immense respect for Vinícius and Real Madrid. There's no need to dwell on this. My focus is on what I achieved with my team."

Real Madrid, in protest, boycotted the Paris ceremony, while Vinícius posted a cryptic message on social media: "I'll do it 10 times if I have to. They're not ready." The remark hinted at his frustration despite his outstanding individual performances.

At the Globe Soccer Awards, Vinícius was recognised as Best Men's Player and Best Forward, a fitting consolation for the Brazilian star.

His accolades were bolstered by a decisive performance in Real Madrid's Intercontinental Cup victory, where he contributed a goal and an assist in a 3-0 win over Pachuca.

Ronaldo's endorsement of Vinícius has added weight to the debate, given his stature in football and his history with Real Madrid.

On Manchester United and Real Madrid

During the same event, Ronaldo reflected on the contrasting fortunes of Manchester United and Real Madrid, two clubs that have shaped his illustrious career.

Ronaldo expressed optimism about Manchester United's future under new manager Ruben Amorim.

"Amorim did a fantastic job in Portugal with my club Sporting," Ronaldo said. "But the Premier League is a completely different beast, the most competitive league in the world. I knew it would be tough, and they'll continue to battle."

"But the storm will end, and the sun will rise. Everything has aligned, and everything will be fine with him. I hope for the best for Manchester United because it's a club I still love," he added.

Turning to Real Madrid, Ronaldo lauded their dominance in European football and their resurgence in La Liga.

"If you want to bet on a team in the Champions League, bet on Real Madrid," he remarked. "People didn't expect Real Madrid to be good at the beginning, but they are now ahead of Barcelona."

Ronaldo also highlighted the mystique of the Santiago Bernabéu.

"Teams are scared to play in the Bernabéu. It has a special aura," he said. He reserved particular praise for Carlo Ancelotti, under whom he achieved great success at Madrid. "Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best managers in man-management for me. The trophies are not a coincidence," Ronaldo said.

The event also included a light-hearted moment with Thibaut Courtois, as Ronaldo joked, "You should be a striker. You are very tall and would score a lot of goals."