Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo declared on Friday that it was “unfair” Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior missed out on this year’s prestigious award.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri claimed the prize in October, with Vinicius finishing as runner-up. Rodri was recognised for his contributions to City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s Euro 2024 qualification, while Vinicius was instrumental in Madrid’s record 15th Champions League victory.
Controversy clouded this year’s Paris ceremony after Real Madrid opted to boycott the event.
“In my opinion, he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody,” Ronaldo remarked at the Global Soccer Awards.
“They gave it to Rodri, who deserved it too, but I think they should have awarded it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League,” added the Portuguese icon.
Ronaldo, a former Madrid attacker, remains second only to Argentina’s Lionel Messi in Ballon d’Or wins, with Messi boasting six titles.
The award’s winner is selected by an international panel of 100 specialist journalists.