Vinicius Jr has broken his silence after boycotting the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony.
The Real Madrid star was one of the favourites for the award after a stunning season where he won both La Liga and the Champions League, yet news emerged on Monday that he, along with teammates and officials would not be attending the event in Paris.
The snub appeared to be a direct response to information claiming he had not claimed the prize, voted by 100 journalists from the top FIFA nations, after reports he had a chartered flight and private party organised.
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The Brazil international did not post a statement on the matter but he did react to former teammate Toni Kroos on social media. Referencing news that Vinicius Jr had not won the Ballon d'Or award, the retired Germany international took to Instagram to share two pictures of them - with the caption: "The best".
Vinicius jumped in the comments and simply replied, "I love you Antonio!!".
On the front page of Monday's newspaper, Spanish outlet MARCA were adamant that Vinicius was receiving the Ballon d'Or until the huge twist arrived.
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Real claimed the Team of the Year award after their double triumph under Carlo Ancelotti last term but Los Blancos had no presence to collect it and the hosts quickly congratulated them and moved on.
According to AS, Real are incensed by what they believe to be a blatant form of disrespect, with a source saying: “If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected."
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland also skipped the ceremony to watch Swedish side Malmo in league action against Goteborg.
Topics: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, Ballon d'Or
Josh Lawless