Featured Image Credit: Getty/Richarlison
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison, Brazil, Manchester City, Rodri, Football
Tom Jenkins
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr, Richarlison, Brazil, Manchester City, Rodri, Football
Brazil forward Richarlison has slammed France Football for the decision to give the Ballon d'Or to Rodri over his international teammate Vinicius Jr.
There was a major shock at Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris after out-right favourite Vinicius Jr missed out to Manchester City's Rodri for the main award.
Prior to the ceremony, it was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that Vini would not be attending as he had been made aware Rodri was going to be announced the winner.
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Despite this turning out to be correct the Chief Editor of France Football insisted nobody could have leaked the winner, saying: “I can guarantee you that no one from City or Real Madrid knew."
Since it has been confirmed Vini missed out, the Real Madrid star has seen multiple players from around the world come out in support and hit out against France Football.
One of those is Vini's Brazil teammate, Richarlison, who started by commenting under the Ballon d'Or Instagram account when it was first leaked that Rodri was the winner.
The former Everton attacker commented: “If Vini doesn’t win, SH*T IS GONNA GO DOWN.”
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Sh*t did, in fact, go down, as Richarlison proceeded to release a full statement via Instagram in support of his international colleague.
"All of us who live football await individual awards with great anticipation each season," The Brazilian wrote paired with a photo with Vini.
"Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country winning an award for the best in the world after so long.
Unfortunately, due to criteria that no one can understand, the award did not come," he continued.
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Richarlison did try his best not to throw too much shade on Rodri, admitting he is a 'great player'.
"And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player, who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning this Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and the only thing that lost today was football," he continued.
"I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil rooting for him. And that day was today! You're giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep moving forward and never shut up! We're together!"
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Richarlison's voice in Brazil is significant, with the Spurs number nine boasting over 22 million followers on Instagram.