A month after Rodri’s controversial victory, the 2024 Ballon d’Or continues to fuel indignation within Real Madrid. Despite Vinícius Júnior being widely regarded as a legitimate favorite, revelations about the questionable identity and impartiality of certain voters—allegedly linked to FC Barcelona—have caused an uproar.
During Real Madrid’s general assembly, Florentino Pérez did not hold back in voicing his dissatisfaction. He specifically criticized UEFA and France Football, calling out voters from countries such as El Salvador, Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland for excluding Vinícius Júnior from their choices.
For Pérez, these decisions are not coincidental; he believes they reflect systemic disorder and a lack of professionalism in the selection process.
Troubling Ties to Barcelona
The controversy deepened after revelations that some voters were ardent supporters of FC Barcelona, Real Madrid’s historic rival. Among those highlighted were a Salvadoran journalist known for his harsh criticism of Vinícius Júnior and Namibian journalist Sheefeni Nicodemus. Nicodemus publicly responded to Florentino Pérez’s remarks, accusing him of belittling countries with less influence in global football.
However, Nicodemus’s social media posts, where he is seen wearing a Barça jersey and jokingly describes himself as being in “an abusive relationship with FC Barcelona,” have fueled suspicions of biased voting. Amid the backlash, Nicodemus set his Instagram account to private, but screenshots of his photos continue to circulate, intensifying the controversy.
A Vote Marred by Bias
These revelations highlight a significant flaw in the Ballon d’Or voting system. The lack of compensation for voters appears to have enabled some to prioritize personal biases over objectively evaluating players’ performances.
In this context, the possibility that Barça supporters influenced the vote to block Vinícius Júnior from winning the award raises a critical question: Should France Football reconsider its criteria and the selection of jurors to ensure the impartiality of this prestigious prize?
A Lesson for the Future
As the debate over the fairness of the 2024 Ballon d’Or intensifies, these events underscore the importance of a transparent and equitable voting process. While Vinícius Júnior did not claim the trophy this year, the revelations about the voting process only strengthen the belief that he deserved greater recognition.
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