Vinicius Junior had an impressive season with Real Madrid, netting 24 goals in 39 matches across all competitions. However, his exclusion from the Ballon d’Or spotlight has sparked criticism from both journalists and politicians in Brazil, especially after Rodri of Manchester City was awarded the title instead. Vinicius, at 24 years old, played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s success as they captured both the Champions League and La Liga titles last season.

Rodri’s accolades include not only the recent Euro 2024 victory with Spain but also major club successes such as the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. He received the prestigious award in Paris while Vinicius and representatives from Real Madrid were notably absent. This absence fueled discussions among Brazilian commentators who labeled the decision as unfair and even retaliatory, calling it one of the most contentious choices in the history of the award.

Critics have suggested that Vinicius’s outspoken stance against racism may have influenced the voting process. Guga Chacra, a prominent commentator on Globo News, highlighted that Vinicius faces ongoing racism in Spanish football and questioned whether this prejudice affected Rodri’s selection. Similarly, Gustavo Faldon from Estadao described Vinicius’s treatment as a significant injustice related to his nationality and position on the field.

Milly Lacombe from UOL remarked that the Ballon d’Or missed a chance to honor a player recognized for his extraordinary skills and social advocacy. The voting system for these awards involves journalists ranking their top ten players from a list of thirty nominees, which has raised concerns about potential biases within European football.

Galvao Bueno, another leading sports commentator in Brazil, criticized this voting method as inherently biased against players outside Europe. He emphasized that Vinicius’s activism likely contributed to his loss in a tight race where marginal differences determined the outcome. Vincent Garcia of France Football acknowledged that Vinicius might have lost points due to other Real Madrid players being favored.

Despite these controversies surrounding Rodri’s win, many commentators maintain that Vinicius performed at a higher level than him throughout the year. Following the results announcement, Vinicius expressed resilience through a message on social media, which garnered widespread support from fans and public figures alike, including Brazil’s minister for racial equality. This response underscores his determination to continue advocating for change despite adversity.