"Football politics" - Real Madrid star Eduardo Camavinga aims dig at Ballon d'Or following Vinicius Jr. snub

Real Madrid player Eduardo Camavinga has targeted Ballon d'Or after his teammate Vinicius Jr. missed out on the coveted award on Monday (October 28). Camavinga claimed that politics played a role in the results. He also opined that Vinicius is the best player in the world and that no award can define the Brazilian winger’s footballing prowess.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or. The decision to give Rodri the award has, however, sparked a lot of controversy online, as many believe Vinicius was more deserving of the award.

Last month, Spanish publication Marca claimed that Vini was told he was going to win the award. However, a few hours before the ceremony commenced, it was widely reported that the Brazilian would not win, which made Real Madrid boycott the ceremony.

Numerous fans took to social media to express their opinions. The news of Vinicius not winning turned out to be true as Rodri beat him to win the Ballon d'Or. Meanwhile, Camavinga was not happy with the result. He felt France Football was unfair in its decision not to name Vinicius as the winner of the coveted award. He wrote on X:

‘’FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌ My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro."

Brazil forward says football lost after Vinicius Jr. missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or

Brazil and Tottenham Hotspur forward Richarlison shared his opinion on his compatriot Vinicius missing out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or. While Richarlison remarked that Rodri is one of the best players, he said Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was 'embarrassing' and a loss for football.

Two days before the ceremony, Richarlison had expressed his support for Vini in the race for the award. Also, after the news that the Real Madrid winger would win the Ballon d’Or broke out, the Tottenham forward fired a warning to the organizers of the award. After Rodri was declared winner, Richarlison took to his Instagram to express his disappointment. He wrote:

"All of us who live soccer look forward to the individual awards with great anxiety each season. Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win a award of the best in the world after so long."

"Unfortunately, by criteria no one can understand, the prize did not come. And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not getting that Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and only football lost out today," he added.

"I remember Vini saying his dream was to see all Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! You are giant and the best in the world, kido! And no trophy will change that. Move forward and never be quiet! We're all together," he concluded.

Brazil and Aston Villa midfielder also posted on his Instagram story to show support for Vini after he lost the award to Rodri.