Brazil forward Richarlison has slammed France Football for the decision to give the Ballon d’Or to Rodri over his international teammate Vinicius Jr.
There was a major shock at Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris after out-right favourite Vinicius Jr missed out to Manchester City’s Rodri for the main award.
Prior to the ceremony, it was revealed by Fabrizio Romano that Vini would not be attending as he had been made aware Rodri was going to be announced the winner.
Despite this turning out to be correct the Chief Editor of France Football insisted nobody could have leaked the winner, saying: “I can guarantee you that no one from City or Real Madrid knew.”
Since it has been confirmed Vini missed out, the Real Madrid star has seen multiple players from around the world come out in support and hit out against France Football.
One of those is Vini’s Brazil teammate, Richarlison, who started by commenting under the Ballon d’Or Instagram account when it was first leaked that Rodri was the winner.
The former Everton attacker commented: “If Vini doesn’t win, SH*T IS GONNA GO DOWN.”
Sh*t did, in fact, go down, as Richarlison proceeded to release a full statement via Instagram in support of his international colleague.
“All of us who live football await individual awards with great anticipation each season,” The Brazilian wrote paired with a photo with Vini.
“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country winning an award for the best in the world after so long.
Unfortunately, due to criteria that no one can understand, the award did not come,” he continued.
Richarlison did try his best not to throw too much shade on Rodri, admitting he is a ‘great player’.
“And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player, who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning this Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only thing that lost today was football,” he continued.
“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil rooting for him. And that day was today! You’re giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep moving forward and never shut up! We’re together!”
Richarlison’s voice in Brazil is significant, with the Spurs number nine boasting over 22 million followers on Instagram.
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Richarlison’s Live Reaction to Rodri Beating Vinicius to 2024 Ballon d’Or
Tottenham and Brazilian forward Richarlison has given a strong response to international teammate Vinicius Junior not winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The former Everton man was on an Instagram live stream during the awards show and could not hide his true feelings after it was announced that Rodri had been declared the winner.
Rumours of the result began circulating earlier in the day, and it was revealed that Vinicius, as well as other members of the Real Madrid entourage, would be boycotting the event as a result of the 24-year-old’s snub. Richarlison’s instant reaction on social media made it clear which side of the fence he stood on.
Richarlison Reacts to Rodri Ballon d’Or win
Prior to the announcement of Vinicius’ runner-up spot, Richarlison had already suggested that there would be a negative response if his compatriot didn’t win the award. It turns out the 27-year-old was manifesting his own feelings, as his immediate reaction on his own livestream was that the decision was ‘bull****’.
Later, the Tottenham man would take to social media to release a statement in support of his international teammate, saying:
“All of us who live soccer look forward to the individual awards with great anxiety each season. Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win a award of the best in the world after so long.
“Unfortunately, by criteria no one can understand, the prize did not come. And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is not a bad player who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not getting that Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only person who lost today was football.
“I remember Vini saying his dream was to see all Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! You are giant and the best in the world, kido! And no trophy will change that. Move forward and never be quiet! We’re all together!”
