“It’s is an unfair situation” - Brazil coach Dorival Junior hits out at Ballon d'Or over Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr snub

Brazil manager Dorival Junior has slammed the Ballon d'Or for snubbing Real Madrid star Vinicus Jr for the award on Monday. The Brazilian forward was widely expected to win the prize, but missed out on it to Manchester City's star midfielder Rodri.

Vinicus was in exceptional form for Los Blancos last season, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in all competitions to help his side to LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League titles.

Speaking after the recent announcement of the Selecao team for the international break, Dorival outlines his belief that the Real Madrid star deserved the award.

He said via Madrid Universal:

“From my point of view, it is an unfair situation, because it is an individual award, I have nothing against whoever won it, on the contrary, it is a recognition of one of the great Spanish footballers, but Vini, for the work he did, should have received different attention.”

The tactician concluded, saying:

“If there was a decisive, sharp, lethal player, who showed his talent to everyone, I am convinced that this was Vinicius Jr. for everything he did last season. The greatest prize Vinicius has won has been the recognition and respect of his people, of his citizens. The vast majority of the Brazilian people have realized the injustice that has been done to this player, who could have been deservedly awarded.”

Real Madrid did not take the news that their starman missed out on the award lightly. They boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony despite having three players in the final four for the award and winning the team of the year prize.

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"I just think it is classless” - Gary Neville blasts Real Madrid and Vinicus Jr's reaction to Ballon d'Or disappointment

Former Manchester United defender-turned-pundit Gary Neville has blasted Real Madrid and Vinicus Jr for their reaction to the Ballon d'Or result. The Brazilian was expected to claim the prize in Paris, but missed out to Manchester City's Rodri.

Following news that the Brazilian would not be crowned the 2024 winner of the Ballon d'Or award, the Real Madrid contingent opted to boycott the event.

Nevill believes the act showed a distinct lack of class and blasted the club and player in a recent discussion on The Overlap US via the Daily Post NG, saying:

“I’m quite offended by the reaction towards Vinicius Jr not winning by, to be fair, his fellow professionals as well, I can understand people in Madrid and I can understand people in Brazil being upset that their boy hasn’t won it because he’s a special talent. But I feel in doing what they’ve done and to disrespect Rodri in the way they have, I think it’s absolutely outrageous."

He concluded, saying:

“Vinicius is a special talent, he is amazing, he is going to win it one day, I’m sure, but the idea that you try and take the glory away, I get it, he’s a fans’ player, he is a players’ player, he is somebody who will be respected all around the world and a good man, I just think it is classless.”

Real Madrid and Vinicus Jr's decision not to go to the Ballon d'or ceremony has drawn mixed reactions across the football world. The choice reflects a greater tension between the Spanish giants and the rest of Europe that has been simmering since their failed attempt to format break away Euriopean Super League.