Vinícius Júnior has clarified the reason behind his absence from the most recent Ballon d’Or ceremony, revealing that it was Real Madrid’s decision for him not to attend.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Champions League last-16 clash against Atlético Madrid, the Brazilian addressed speculation surrounding his non-appearance at the prestigious event.
Club’s decision, not a personal boycott
The Real Madrid winger had been widely tipped as a strong contender for the award but ultimately finished second behind Manchester City’s Rodri.
Many football fans and pundits had expected Vinícius to be among the front-runners, leading to speculation that his absence from the ceremony was a personal protest.
However, the former Flamengo star dismissed those claims, stating that the decision was entirely the club’s.
“It was the club that decided not to go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony,” Vinícius confirmed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. “I always follow the club’s instructions. They asked me to stay in Madrid, and that’s what I did.”
His statement puts an end to rumors suggesting that he had chosen to skip the event due to dissatisfaction with the voting outcome.
Focused on future success
Despite missing out on the top prize, Vinícius remained optimistic about his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or in the future.
The 23-year-old has been a key figure for Real Madrid in recent seasons, playing a crucial role in their domestic and European campaigns.
People vote for what they believe,” he added. “I have my own thoughts, just like my teammates.
Of course, when you are close to winning the Ballon d’Or, you want to win it.
But I know I will have many opportunities to compete for it again.”
With his performances continuing to draw widespread praise, Vinícius remains one of the most promising talents in world football.
His focus now shifts to Real Madrid’s crucial Champions League knockout fixture, where he will look to further cement his status as one of the best players in the game.
As the Brazilian star continues to develop, his ambition remains clear: to eventually claim the Ballon d’Or and join the illustrious list of Real Madrid legends who have lifted the coveted award.
