Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr believes his anti-racism activism cost him the Ballon d’Or as Spanish duo Rodri and Aitana Bonmati won the men’s and women’s titles respectively.
The Brazilian’s supposed snub led to every Real Madrid player, coach and executive nominated for an award boycotting Monday evening’s event in Paris.
Despite Rodri’s win, three Madrid players were named in the top four of the men’s award, with Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal trailing Vinicius in the voting.
Carlo Ancelotti won the men’s coach of the year award, while Real Madrid won men’s team of the year and Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller trophy with Harry Kane.
Posting on X after Rodri was confirmed as the winner, Vinicius said: “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Speaking to Reuters, his management staff confirmed this post was in relation to his fight against racism, which they believe led to him not winning the award.
They said: “The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”
Vinicius has been the subject of repeated racist abuse throughout his time in Spain, with four men arrested last Thursday after coordinating an online racist hate campaign against him.
He also offered support to Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal after the 17-year-old was racially abused during his side’s 4-0 win over Madrid on Saturday.
In an earlier statement justifying their boycott, Real Madrid said: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to (Dani) Carvajal as the winner.
“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or does not respect Real Madrid. Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Meanwhile Barcelona midfielder Bonmati led a Catalan clean sweep of the women’s Ballon d’Or, with the Spaniard beating teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo to the award.
Barcelona Femeni won the Champions League for the third time in three seasons, leading to Bonmati winning the award for the second year in a row.
Former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes was named women’s coach of the year after guiding her USA side to Olympic glory in her first few months in her new role.
Speaking over a video link as the ceremony falls during an international break, Hayes said: “I just want to say I’m very honoured to be awarded the first Ballon d’Or for a coach of the women’s game.
“It’s a very proud moment for my family, I’m very proud to be in this position and I want to say a big congratulations to all of the nominees, they are all coaches I respect hugely, and I understand how challenging our work is. I feel a little bit embarrassed because it’s a team game.”
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