"Been much more decisive during last season" - Ronaldo Nazario claims Real Madrid man deserved to win 2024 Ballon d'Or

Brazil legend Ronaldo Nazario has claimed that Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Manchester City midfielder Rodri. No one associated with Los Blancos showed up for the award ceremony, as the club decided to boycott it after learning that Vinicius would not win.

Ronaldo Nazario has now weighed in on the Ballon d'Or debate. The Real Valladolid president spoke to MARCA about Real Madrid, picking Vinicius Jr as his Ballon d'Or candidate:

"Vinicius should have won the Ballon d'Or, which has missed a great opportunity to crown Vinicius as the best in the world. It has nothing to do with Rodri, to be clear, but Vinicius was much more decisive during last season."

Ronaldo added:

"What can I say, the real Ballon d'Or winner is Florentino Perez, he is a father to me. He taught me a lot and gave me everything in the world of football."

Real Madrid had seven players nominated for the award, including Toni Kroos, who retired from football in the summer of 2024. While Rodri eventually secured the award, Vinicius Jr finished in second place and his teammate Jude Bellingham completed the podium.

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"I wouldn't do it in the same way" - Rodri about Real Madrid's decision to snub Ballon d'Or ceremony

Real Madrid's decision to snub the Ballon d'Or ceremony was one of the biggest stories of the day. City midfielder Rodri questioned the club's decision, stating that he did not respect it.

Talking about it on The Rest is Football podcast, Rodri said (via ESPN):

"Well, it's a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do. I cannot respect the decision, I always said I wouldn't do it in the same way."

He added:

"In sport and in life, it's important to win. But I think even more how to lose and I say always the same, it was my moment, I didn't want to speak about others."

"They didn't want to be there -- I want to be with my club, with my family, the people that were there and clapped me and that was a fantastic moment."

It is worth noting that despite their player missing out on the main award, Real Madrid won other awards. Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti won the Men's Coach of the Year award, while the team were honored as the Men's Team of the Year.