What is UEFA talking about? How did Vinicius Jr come up short despite having an electrifying season underpinned with laurels?!
But here is what clogged Vini’s wheel:
Vinicius Jr.’s electrifying skillset made him one of the leading candidates for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, yet his bid fell short to Manchester City’s Rodri, who secured the award after an exceptional season. While Vinicius was pivotal for Real Madrid, scoring 23 goals and assisting 21 across all competitions, he faced tough competition from within his own team. Rising stars like Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal often stole the spotlight, making it difficult for Vinicius to stand out as a sole representative of Madrid’s success.
Meanwhile, Rodri’s numbers were just as impressive and heavily weighted by silverware. He delivered a remarkable Champions League campaign, highlighted by his decisive goal in the final that clinched Manchester City’s first European title. In total, Rodri’s contributions helped City secure a treble—Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League—which has historically influenced Ballon d’Or voting in favor of players leading successful teams. Rodri’s consistency in midfield, as evidenced by his 90% passing accuracy and high tackle success rate, solidified his position as City’s core playmaker and significantly boosted his Ballon d’Or candidacy.
The award’s focus on achievements at the national level also posed challenges for Vinicius. Rodri’s standout performances in Spain’s UEFA Nations League win added another significant accolade, creating a stronger narrative of international and club success for Rodri. In contrast, Vinicius’s international appearances with Brazil lacked the same degree of impact. Though Vinicius’s creativity, with an average of 4.6 successful dribbles per game, is unmatched in La Liga, the focus on major trophies shifted the voters’ support toward Rodri, emphasizing the importance of combined team achievements.
Vinicius Reaction:
“I’ll do it 10x if I have to”.
Rolawe D.F
