The awarding of the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Rodri continues to stir controversy at Real Madrid, particularly with club president Florentino Pérez. During the club’s general assembly, Pérez did not hold back, openly criticizing certain journalists whom he accused of sidelining Vinicius Jr. from claiming the title. These accusations sparked an unexpected reaction, notably from an African journalist.
A month after the decision, Real Madrid remains convinced that they were wronged, lamenting Vinicius Jr.’s second-place finish. The Brazilian player, currently sidelined due to injury and absent for the upcoming match against Liverpool, had an exceptional season.
His pivotal role in winning both La Liga and the Champions League made him a strong contender for the prestigious trophy. However, a red card during the Copa America, which excluded him from the decisive stages, may have counted against him. Some argue that had he led Brazil to at least the final, the consensus in his favor would have been undeniable.
Florentino Pérez Questions Foreign Votes
Florentino Pérez has suggested that the Ballon d’Or outcome might have been different if the voting process had excluded certain foreign journalists. He explicitly questioned the involvement of media representatives from countries like Uganda, Namibia, Albania, and Finland.
“There are journalists no one knows who voted this year. Without those votes, Vinicius would have won the Ballon d’Or,” Pérez claimed.
A Firm Response from Sheefeni Nicodemus, Namibian Journalist
These remarks sparked outrage, particularly in Namibia. Sheefeni Nicodemus, a Namibian journalist chosen by France Football to vote, sharply responded to Pérez’s accusations in an interview with Cadena Ser.
“These comments reflect Mr. Pérez’s personal frustration,” Nicodemus stated. “He seems to think that people from my country, as well as those from the other nations he mentioned, have no significant voice because he considers us inferior. I simply ask: if I were from one of the major football countries and disagreed with your view, what would your argument be?”
Nicodemus also highlighted the discriminatory undertone of Pérez’s remarks, asserting:
“Florentino Pérez implies that the votes from my country don’t matter simply because we are seen as inferior.”
This controversy, fueled by Pérez’s comments, underscores the sensitivities surrounding the Ballon d’Or voting process.
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