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| Cristiano Ronaldo himself receives an award at the Globe Soccer Awards | Photo: Cristiano Ronaldo's X Handle |
Cristiano Ronaldo made the remarks at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai yesterday. According to the Al Nasr star, Real Madrid's Brazilian star Vinicius deserved the award more than Manchester City's Spanish defensive midfielder Rodri.
Ronaldo said, "In my opinion, he (Vinicius) deserved to win the Golden Ball (Ballon d'Or). I'm saying this in front of everyone, it was unfair. They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it, but it should have been given to Vinicius. Because he won the Champions League and scored in the final."
This year's Ballon d'Or was awarded on October 28. Two months have passed, but the controversy has not ended. Although Vinicius Junior is leading the discussion, Cristiano Ronaldo has now joined the controversy that started after Rodri won the award. According to the five-time Ballon d'Or winner, Vinicius has been treated unfairly.
A special night with the family ❤️🏆 pic.twitter.com/vAkUmXU5vx
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) December 27, 2024
Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Ronaldo was not even shortlisted for the award. The 39-year-old also criticized the French magazine France Football, which organizes the Ballon d'Or, saying: "These events are like that. They always do this." He then praised the Globe Soccer Awards, saying: "That's why I love the Globe Soccer Awards. They are honest."
Vinicius won La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup for Real last season. He was also the best player in the Champions League. Rodri won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, Club World Cup, and the Euro for Spain in addition to winning the Premier League for City. Rodri was also the best player in that tournament of continental excellence. Vinicius lost to Rodri by 41 points in winning the Ballon d'Or. The winner of this award is chosen by voting by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA ranking.
Despite not winning the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius won the FIFA Player of the Year award 'The Best' on December 17. He beat Rodri by 5 points. The Best was voted for by coaches, captains, journalists, and online users of FIFA member countries. Interestingly, captain Bernardo Silva from Ronaldo's country Portugal gave the first vote to Rodri in FIFA The Best. Earlier, Rodri also received the vote of Portuguese journalists for the Ballon d'Or, while Vinicius was at number five.
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| Vinicius Junior wins FIFA The Best award this year | Photo: AFP |
Ronaldo also shared his thoughts on his post-retirement plans while attending this year's Globe Soccer Awards. In the interview, he said, "I will never be a coach. President? No. Maybe I will be the owner of a club." The next question was, "So you want to be the owner of a club?" Ronaldo's answer was, "Maybe. Let's see. It depends on the time and the right opportunity." He was asked if he was thinking of buying a specific club? Ronaldo said, "Not right now. Maybe a few."
Barcelona's Spanish star Lamine Yamal has won the 'Emerging Player of the Year' award at the Globe Soccer Awards. Vinicius won the awards for best player and best forward. The winners of the Globe Soccer Awards were determined through online voting. A record 100 million fans from 200 countries and regions voted this time.