Vinicius Jr, as you know, lost out on the Ballon d’Or to Manchester City’s Rodri.
Rodri, the influential midfielder, has played a pivotal role in his team’s historic domestic and international success, elevating them to a level rarely seen in English football.
For some fans, especially those of Real Madrid, this outcome felt like an unfair decision. Yet, the explanation might be simple: with so many outstanding players worldwide, Rodri stands out among them…Continue Reading
Real Madrid itself boasts many top talents. In their impressive runs through LaLiga and the Champions League last season, votes were split among Vinicius Jr, Toni Kroos, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, each a star in Carlo Ancelotti’s lineup.
This division of accolades on the field likely led to votes being spread across these players. Bellingham, in his debut season at the Santiago Bernabéu, made a sensational start, scoring and assisting throughout.
Carvajal, meanwhile, added to his Real Madrid triumphs with a Euros victory, commanding the right wing with consistency in both defense and attack.
Toni Kroos controlled the midfield with his trademark precision, adding another season of nearly flawless passing.
With the team’s success distributed across multiple players, it becomes harder for all 100 Ballon d’Or voters to single out Vinicius as Real Madrid’s undisputed star, even if some consider him “the best in the world.”
Vinicius finished with 24 goals; Bellingham had 23 but outscored him domestically, with 19 to Vinicius’ 15, and also had more assists. Carvajal’s 7 goal contributions were also notable for a right-back.
It’s a complex debate that sparked heated reactions last night. The reality is that elite football has no shortage of extraordinary players, and Vinicius will have other chances. Perhaps next time, he’ll take the prize.
