New Delhi: In a striking statement on Monday Brazilian and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. expressed his belief that his activism against racism might have impacted his chances of winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or. The award is one of football’s highest individual honors and went to Manchester City’s Rodri who topped the voting over Vinicius. Despite the results, the Real Madrid star affirmed his commitment to fighting racism undeterred by the potential costs to his career recognition.
“I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” Vinicius posted on X, following the ceremony. The message came after Real Madrid boycotted the event in Paris, having anticipated that their young star might miss out on the award. According to sources close to Vinicius, referencing his public stance against racism which he believes may have influenced the voting outcomes.
Eu farei 10x se for preciso. Eles não estão preparados.
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 28, 2024
Vinicius’ fight against racism
Vinicius has been vocal in his anti-racism stance especially in response to multiple incidents of racial abuse he has faced while playing in Spain. The abuse has targeted him during several La Liga matches and even led to at least two convictions under Spain’s hate-crime legislation making his cases some of the first of their kind in Spanish sports.
Despite his efforts Vinicius remains aware of the backlash that often accompanies speaking out on social issues. His management team told Reuters that he referred to his fight against racism and that they believe it led him to finish second on the Ballon d’Or podium. They said, “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”
Support from teammates and fellow players
The announcement that Vinicius finished second in the Ballon d’Or ranking sparked immediate reactions from teammates and fans alike. Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga posted a message of solidarity on X, calling Vinicius “the best player in the world” and dismissing the idea that an award could determine his worth.
FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌
My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p
— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024
Brazilian women’s football legend Marta also weighed in and posted on Instagram that she had eagerly awaited the recognition she felt Vinicius deserved. “I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognized as the best player in the world,” she shared, voicing the frustration felt by many of his supporters.
Vinicius’ historic season with Real Madrid
While the Ballon d’Or may have gone to another player Vinicius’ impact on Real Madrid’s season was unmistakable. He played a key role alongside Jude Bellingham who came third in the rankings. He helped Real Madrid secure both the Champions League and La Liga titles. His teammate Bellingham who is a rising star at just 21 also contributed significantly and finished the season with an impressive 19 goals playing a key role in Real Madrid’s success and England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Real Madrid’s achievements did not go unrecognized with the club winning the men’s club of the year award and their manager Carlo Ancelotti named men’s coach of the year reflecting the team’s exceptional season.
