"The best" - Toni Kroos sends message to former teammate Vinicius Junior amid Ballon d'Or snub, Real Madrid star responds

Toni Kroos has sent a message of support to Vinicius Junior in light of his former Real Madrid teammate missing out on the Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian forward has controversially finished second to Manchester City's Rodri.

The veteran German, who retired in the summer, gave a two-word response to the situation. He posted a collage of himself and Vinicius on Instagram with the caption:

"The best."

Vinicius responded to Kroos in the comments section:

"I love you, Antonio."

Kroos, 34, and Vinicius, 24, were instrumental for Real Madrid last season as they won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga and the Supercopa de Espana. The Brazilian's excellent season looked sure to result in a first-ever Ballon d'Or win.

Yet, Rodri has prevailed over Vinicius thanks to his exploits for European champions Spain at Euro 2024 and helping City win the Premier League. His triumph comes amid growing problems between Los Blancos and UEFA.

Kroos hit out at the award going to Rodri over his ex-teammate. He said (via Madrid Zone):

"Rodri will win. I have never seen the importance of these individual awards in football, they have no place."

Real Madrid have boycotted the awards ceremony to show their support to Vinicius. They believe the decision not to hand their No.7 the Ballon d'Or extends further than sporting reasons.

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"It's a shame" - Real Madrid icon Clarence Seedorf makes his feelings clear over Vinicius Junior's Ballon d'Or snub

Clarence Seedorf thinks Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award (Image - Getty)

Clarence Seedorf gave his thoughts on the Ballon d'Or drama and he feels Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award. The four-time Champions League winner said (via TNT Sports):

"I think there are problems between Real Madrid and the UEFA, which affected some things in the results. Vinicius Junior is the one who definitely deserves the award. It's a shame."

Vinicius was in red-hot form last season, posting 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions. He scored in Madrid's 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.

The Ballon d'Or has thrown up many controversial winners recently, including Lionel Messi last season. Many felt treble-winner Erling Haaland deserved to win the award over the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner.

Cristiano Ronaldo, a five-time winner, argued earlier this year that the award has lost its credibility. He boycotted the 2019 gala when he learned he hadn't placed on the podium.