Vinicius Jr Believes Anti-Racism Fight Impacted His Ballon d'Or Chances
Vinicius Jr has been outspoken about the racial abuse he has faced throughout his career, with incidents occurring frequently, particularly in Spain. Earlier this year, he broke down in an interview discussing the abuse, calling for stricter measures, including stripping Spain of the 2030 World Cup hosting rights if such incidents continue.
Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr reportedly believes his vocal fight against racism contributed to his narrow loss to Manchester City's Rodri for the 2024 Ballon d'Or. Despite an impressive season with La Liga and Champions League titles under his belt, the Brazilian star was left shocked by the results, leading Real Madrid to boycott the awards ceremony in protest. Following the announcement, Vinicius posted defiantly on social media, writing, "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready."
Vinicius' Fight Against Racism
Vinicius Jr has been outspoken about the racial abuse he has faced throughout his career, with incidents occurring frequently, particularly in Spain. Earlier this year, he broke down in an interview discussing the abuse, calling for stricter measures, including stripping Spain of the 2030 World Cup hosting rights if such incidents continue. He has also extended his support to other players like Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Alejandro Balde, who were targeted with racist insults during El Clasico.
Response from Vinicius’ Management
Vinicius' management confirmed that his social media post was aimed at his ongoing fight against racism, indicating a belief that his activism may have influenced the Ballon d'Or decision. They stated, "The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system."
What's Next for Vinicius Jr
Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid are set to face Valencia in La Liga this Saturday, a match that will give him a chance to channel his frustration on the pitch after the recent 4-0 defeat by Barcelona.
