Featured Image Credit: Getty
Topics: Franck Ribery, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, Football, Ballon d'Or
Marcus Chan
Topics: Franck Ribery, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid, Football, Ballon d'Or
Franck Ribery has gone viral after he reacted to Vinicius Junior missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
During what was a star-studded ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, Manchester City and Spain star Rodri was crowned Ballon d’Or winner after a stellar 23/24 season.
Prior to the event, the headlines were dominated by reports that Real Madrid were not attending the ceremony after they found out Vinicius had been beaten to the Ballon d’Or.
After Rodri was handed the award, Vinicius took to social media to issue a powerful message; he wrote: “I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready.”
Former Bayern Munich and France winger Ribery also made his feelings clear as he posted the words ‘Ballon d’Or’ with three crying laughter emojis underneath.
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Back in 2013, Ribery was highly regarded as the best player of the year and many felt he should have been named the Ballon d’Or winner.
However, the Frenchman ultimately finished in third place, behind Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Speaking in 2022, Ribery told La Gazzetta dello Sport, via TNT Sports: “It was unfair. It was an incredible season for me, and I should have won it.
“They extended the time for votes, and something strange happened. I felt that it was a political choice."
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Madrid later offered an explanation on why they decided to snub the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
As reported by BBC Sport, Madrid said in a statement to AFP and Spanish media: “If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.
“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
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Vinicius’ teammate Aurelien Tchouameni wrote: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.”
Eduardo Camavinga added: “Football politics. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.”