Vinicius Jr. has responded to Real Madrid’s recent decision to skip the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, sharing his thoughts on Instagram amid the ongoing controversy.
After an impressive season helping Real Madrid win both La Liga and the Champions League, Vinicius was a strong contender for the prestigious award. However, the club announced they would not attend the event in Paris, reportedly due to Vinicius not winning the Ballon d'Or, despite prior arrangements for a private celebration and a chartered flight.
While Vinicius did not release an official statement on the boycott, he did engage with former teammate Toni Kroos on social media. In response to Kroos’s Instagram post featuring photos of the two with the caption “The best,” Vinicius replied with a simple “I love you Antonio!!”
Before Real Madrid’s decision to skip the event, MARCA had suggested that Vinicius was a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or. However, the situation changed just hours before the ceremony.
Despite Real Madrid’s absence, the club received the Team of the Year award for their accomplishments under coach Carlo Ancelotti last season. The accolade was acknowledged at the event, although the team’s absence cast a shadow over the moment.
As the football world reacts, attention remains on Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid as they manage the aftermath of this unexpected development at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.