Fans of Vinícius Jr. express their support for the Brazilian star during the Ballon d’Or ceremony, reinforcing hopes that he will be crowned the best player of the season.
Expectations around the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony were high, especially among Brazilians. Even without Vinícius Jr.’s presence, as he opted not to attend the event, the Real Madrid forward’s name remained a topic of discussion. Outside the venue, a crowd of fans made sure to show their support for the player, chanting his name and calling for his crowning as the best player in the world. Although his absence was noticeable, the excitement surrounding his possible victory continued to dominate the evening.
Cheered by fans outside the event
On the streets of Paris, where the ceremony took place, the atmosphere was electric with praise for Vinícius Jr. Even without him in attendance, Brazilian fans and admirers of the player chanted songs and held banners in support of the forward. For many, his absence did not diminish his importance or the expectations surrounding his victory. Some fans gathered outside the Théâtre du Châtelet, where the ceremony was held, chanting Vinícius’s name and urging the Real Madrid star to be crowned the world’s best player.
“Vini, champion!” was one of the most heard phrases outside the event. The forward, who played a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, is widely regarded as one of the favorites for the award. Despite his absence from the ceremony, fans remained hopeful for his triumph.
Marta and other personalities speak out
The debate over Vinícius Jr.’s absence from the awards was also addressed by various football figures. Marta, a six-time FIFA World Player of the Year winner, expressed her support for her fellow countryman, stating that regardless of the result, he is already a winner. “Vinícius Jr. deserves this award. He was incredible last season, and that can’t be ignored,” the player said.
Paris Saint-Germain legend Raí also shared a similar opinion. In an interview before the event, the former player highlighted Vinícius’s importance to both Brazilian and global football. “Brazil hasn’t won a Ballon d’Or since Kaká. I think Vinícius is more than ready to break that drought. He stands out in every match, and that must be recognized,” he commented.
Real Madrid’s absence and Rodri’s favoritism
One of the most discussed topics during the ceremony was the absence not only of Vinícius Jr. but of the entire Real Madrid team. The club chose to boycott the event in protest over how its players have been treated in individual award ceremonies. Rodri of Manchester City has emerged as the main favorite for the prize, particularly after being a standout in the English club’s treble-winning season.
Despite Rodri’s favoritism, many believe that the title of the season’s best player should go to Vinícius Jr., who had an outstanding year, leading Real Madrid to Champions League glory. On social media, Brazilian fans expressed their frustration at the possibility of Rodri winning, with many arguing that Vinícius was the real standout of the year.
Lautaro Martínez and Savinho: praise for Vini Jr.’s performance
Among the players present at the awards, Argentine Lautaro Martínez, Copa América champion with Argentina, made sure to mention Vinícius Jr.’s performance when asked who should take home the trophy for best player. “It’s hard to choose. Vinícius is a great player, had a fantastic season, and won the Champions League. Everyone knows how decisive he is,” said the Argentine.
Another player who stood out at the ceremony was young Brazilian Savinho, currently playing for Manchester City. Nominated for the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best under-21 player, Savinho expressed his admiration for Vinícius Jr. and his desire to follow in the forward’s footsteps. “I’m honored to be here for the first time. Vinícius is an example to all of us, and I hope he wins many awards in the future,” said Savinho.
Rodri and Toni Kroos: debate over individual awards
Rodri, one of the top favorites for the season’s best player award, arrived at the ceremony using crutches, having recently suffered an injury. Even so, the Manchester City player was optimistic and expressed his happiness at being nominated again. “It’s always an honor to be here. Let’s see what happens, but just being a finalist is a great achievement,” he commented.
On the other hand, Vinícius Jr.’s former Real Madrid teammate, Toni Kroos, openly criticized the relevance of individual awards in football. “I’ve never placed much importance on these awards. Football is a team sport, and to me, that’s what really matters,” said the German, who was also a finalist in previous editions.
A trophy that hasn’t come yet for Vini Jr.
Vinícius Jr. has already been nominated for the world’s best player award twice before, in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 editions, finishing eighth and sixth, respectively. In the last edition, the Brazilian won the Sócrates Award, recognizing the social work he does through the Vinícius Jr. Institute, a foundation focused on promoting inclusion and social development in Brazil.
Although the best player of the season award has yet to come his way, many believe it’s only a matter of time before Vinícius is crowned as the best in the world. “He’s already made history. It’s just a matter of time before the Ballon d’Or is his,” said one of the fans at the event.
