Brazilian media react to Vinicius Jr missing out on the Ballon d'Or after Real Madrid boycott ceremony

The media in Brazil have reacted to Vinicius Junior missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.

Prior to the star-studded event at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, the likes of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Rodri and Kylian Mbappe were all among the favourites to win the award.

However, it was reported on Monday afternoon that Vinicius had in fact missed out on the top prize.

As a result, his club Real Madrid decided to boycott the event.

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano wrote on social media: “Not even one representative of Real Madrid is expected to travel to Paris tonight.

“This is club’s decision after Vinicius Jr was made aware that he will not win the Ballon d’Or.”

On the back of the news, Brazilian media have made their feelings clear on Vinicius missing out on the Ballon d’Or.

Estedao claimed that the reason why Vinicius failed to win could be the fact that he missed out on winning a trophy with his national team, after Brazil failed to win the Copa America.

They said: "What may have weighed heavily, in the journalists' assessment, is Vini Jr.'s performance with the Brazilian national team. In the Copa América, the striker was criticized for not being able to take Brazil past the quarterfinals – in the same way he excelled at Real Madrid.

"Rodri, in addition to losing only one game for Manchester City last season, won the European Championship with the Spanish national team."

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Meanwhile, A Tarde also pointed out the fact that Brazil’s failure to win the Copa America could have played a key part in Vinicius losing out on the Ballon d’Or.

Their report said: "The Brazilian, in turn, had a brilliant season, winning La Liga, the Champions League and the European Super Cup. In total, the number 7 played 39 games, scoring 24 goals and providing nine assists.

"Despite the positive numbers, the striker had a poor performance in the Copa América, where the Brazilian team was eliminated in the quarterfinals, which must have influenced the vote."

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was named as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, ahead of Vinicius and Bellingham.