Carlo Ancelotti and some of his Real Madrid players reacted immediately after it was announced that the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is Rodri and not Vinicius.
The Spanish midfielder became the 50th player to win this prestigious award during a ceremony on Monday night in Paris.
A hundred journalists worldwide voted Rodri as the best player in the world, recognizing his key role in the Premier League and Euro 2024 successes for his club and national team, respectively.
The Italian coach responded on Instagram about his ‘Coach of the Year’ award, but he made sure to credit Vinicius. “I want to thank my family, my president, my club, my players, and above all, Vinicius and Carvajal,” Ancelotti said.
Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga was the next player to comment: “Football politics. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise.” Meanwhile, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin posted a photo of himself and Vinicius with the caption: “You are the best.”
There was also a reaction from Eder Militao, who added: “You are the best, and no one can take that away from you! The best.” In addition to these names, other figures such as Frank Ribery, Toni Kroos, Fede Valverde, Richarlison, Lucas Paqueta, and many others commented on the final result of the Ballon d’Or.
Vinicius reportedly canceled a private flight to Paris and an evening he had organized for his friends after learning he would not be the winner of this award.
