The Ballon d’Or ceremony has sparked ongoing debate within the football world, with Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. at the centre of the controversy.
While days have passed since the award announcement, discussions about the event and its aftermath have yet to settle, especially with prominent figures sharing their views on the matter.
Former Manchester United player and commentator Gary Neville has added fuel to the conversation, expressing a strong opinion on the outcome and the surrounding reactions.
Neville, who captained Manchester United during one of the club’s most successful eras, has not held back in supporting Rodri for winning the Ballon d’Or.
Despite Rodri’s affiliation with Manchester City, Neville firmly believes the Spanish midfielder was the right choice, praising his consistent contributions on the pitch.
He noted that Rodri’s dedication and weekly performances have set him apart, making him a deserving recipient of the prestigious award.
Neville’s criticism of Vinicius
Neville’s statements go beyond just support for Rodri; he criticises Real Madrid’s response to the award ceremony. Real Madrid’s decision not to attend the Paris event, presumably in response to Vinicius Jr. not securing the award, did not sit well with Neville.
“Vinicius Jr has no class, I’m delighted that Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or. It has gone to a player who has contributed consistently week in, week out,” said the United legend as quoted by AS.
He views it as an ungracious act, interpreting it as a disrespectful gesture towards Rodri. In his opinion, the Madrid club’s actions lacked sportsmanship and seemed like an attempt to detract from Rodri’s moment of glory.
According to him, Real Madrid’s response shows a disregard for Rodri’s achievements, which he finds “outrageous.”
“I think that doing what Real Madrid did, disrespecting Rodri in the way they did, seems absolutely outrageous to me.”
The Madrid club’s absence at the gala and their reaction come across as an attempt to overshadow Rodri’s success, which he perceives as lacking class.
“The idea of trying to take away the glory and the limelight from a player who is respected all over the world and who is a good person… seems to me to be a lack of class,” he concluded.