The aftermath of the Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian fans' misalignment...The U.S. singer of the same name posted a lot of malicious comments on social media, "'You don't qualify as Ballon d'Or.'"
Oct 30, 2024
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The aftermath of the Ballon d'Or is fierce. At the 2024 Ballon d'Or Awards held at the Châtelet Theater in Paris, France on the 29th (Korea time), Rodri was the main character. The Ballon d'Or, organized by French football magazine France Football, is the most honorable trophy a soccer player can receive, given to the player who performed the best in the previous season.
The Ballon d'Or award ceremony, which marks its 68th anniversary this year, was held jointly with the UEFA. The winners were determined by voting from 100 press corps around the world for the 30 finalists who performed outstandingly from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024.
The winner of the men's player category, which drew attention, was Rodri. Rodri, who was present on crutches, was handed the Ballon d'Or by George Weah 'Liberian Football Hero'. Rodri became the first Spanish winner in 64 years since Luis Suarez Miramontes in 1960. Rodri was named the third Spanish winner of all time after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Suarez.
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Rodri is undoubtedly the best midfielder in the world. Manchester City is full of top players, but there is no replacement for Rodri. He plays the most important role in Pep Guardiola-style football. Manchester City is always strong, but the performance is not very good in Rodri's absence. Manchester City did not lose 52 consecutive games in which Rodri started. In the 174 EPL games that Rodri has played since joining Manchester City, Manchester City has lost only 19.
Rodri also played an important role in Spain's national team, leading them to Euro 2024 championship. Rodri was named the tournament's most valuable player. Rodri plays in a less visible defensive midfielder position, but in recognition of his ability, he ranked fifth at last year's Ballon d'Or. He was considered a stronger candidate this season and made an amazing history of receiving the Ballon d'Or as a defensive midfielder.
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Vinicius was a two-time Real Madrid champion. He scored 15 goals and 6 assists in the league to help him win, followed by 6 goals and 5 assists in the European Champions League, giving his team its 15th big year. In particular, he made a strong impression in every big game, scoring a goal in the European Champions League final.
The first-ever winner of the 2000s was expected, but it fluctuated at the last minute. News broke that Vinicius would miss the Ballon d'Or award ceremony, making the atmosphere strange. The entire Real Madrid squad, including Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Carlo Ancelotti, were absent from the Ballon d'Or awards. Real Madrid expressed discomfort that Vinicius was pushed back by external factors, not skills. Real Madrid should be awarded by Dani Carvajal if Vinicius fails to win the award. If not, it is clear that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. Vinicius said on his SNS, 'I'll jump ten times more if necessary. They were not ready,' he said, expressing regret.
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Vinicius believes that the failure to win the award is due to racism. British news agency Reuters quoted a close aide to Vinicius saying that `Vinius will continue to fight even if he fails to win the Ballon d'Or for his actions against racism.'
The interpretation of other Brazilian media was no different. Brazil's Globo News reports 'Vinícius is a racist target in Spanish football and Europe. He is fighting against racism, and it may be because of prejudice and racism against Vinicius that Rodri won the prize. There is certainly a question being raised.' ESPN commentator Hodrigo Bueno "Prime Minister Rodri is clearly wrong" Brazil's Estado said that the treatment of Vinicius was the greatest injustice in the history of the Ballon d'Or, adding that the fact that Vinicius played for Real Madrid as a Brazilian should have worked in a more favorable way.
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vanbasten@sportschosun.com