Tottenham star Richarlison has vented his anger at Brazil teammate Vinicius Jr being snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d'Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri picking up the prize instead.
Leading up to the award, Real Madrid star Vinicius looked likely to pick up the trophy, which is voted for by an international jury of journalists, based on three criteria. The first is 'individual performances, decisive and impressive character'. The second is 'team performances and achievements', and the third is 'class and fair play'.
However, on the day of the award, reports came out that Rodri was set to lift the prize after his standout season for Manchester City and Spain, in which he won the Premier League and Euro 2024.
After the reports, no Real Madrid players attended the awards ceremony in Paris, despite the club being awarded the 'Club of the Year' trophy, having won the 2023/24 Champions League - beating Manchester City en route to the final.
A number of players have criticised the decision, including Tottenham striker Richarlison, who called it "embarrassing", claiming that "no-one can understand" why the Real Madrid star was not given the award - but did admit that Rodri "is a great player".
"All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season," Richarlison said on Instagram. "Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.
"Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning the Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.
"I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! You are a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up! We're together!"
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