Richarlison fumes as Premier League stars make feelings clear on Rodri winning Ballon d’Or
Rodri was named the winner of the Ballon d’Or on Monday night in a surprise result, with Richarlison leading the fury of Premier League players who expected Vinicius Junior to be handed the award
Richarlison was left fuming at the announcement that Rodri had won the Ballon d’Or, with the Spurs star leading several angry Premier League stars in hitting out at the decision.
The attacker’s international team-mate Vinicius Junior had been seen as the frontrunner to win the award on Monday night. But in a major shock, it was Rodri who was handed the crown, having won the Premier League with Manchester City and Euro 2024 with Spain.
Vinicius’ club Real Madrid boycotted the awards ceremony in Paris in protest at the snub of their winger. And they were not the only ones to be left furious by Rodri’s win.
Richarlison posted a lengthy rebuke of Ballon d’Or organisers France Football on Instagram. He had livestreamed his reaction to the announcement and was left in shock when Rodri was announced as the winner, putting his hand on his head.
All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long,” his post read.
“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.
“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! You are a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up! We’re together!”
WHAT FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION SAID
F.A has condemned the actions of Richarlison on social media tag it as against players regulations and a punishable offense.
it’s quite unacceptable and F.A promised to take action as their condemnation statement reads.
richalison may face ban or 14 days suspension over his actions
RELATED NEWS
Tottenham’s upcoming League Cup Round of 16 fixture against Manchester City may see the return of team captain Heung-min Son, provided he is fit to play.
Having missed Spurs’ recent 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace due to a thigh injury, Son’s potential comeback is anticipated as a significant boost for the Lilywhites as they prepare to host the English champions at home.
Former Tottenham scout Bryan King stressed the importance of putting forth the strongest XI possible in a game of this magnitude, especially with Manchester City as the opponent.
Mikey Moore will be dropped if Heung-min Son is fit to play Manchester City
King believes that if Son is fit, he will undoubtedly be part of the starting eleven, noting that a player of South Korean’s calibre is essential for a game of this intensity.
He emphasised that such a high-profile match should motivate any player, and if players aren’t excited about a contest like this, it’s hard to imagine what would spark that drive.
King’s perspective hints that manager Ange Postecoglou’s lineup could see a shift with Son’s return. This would likely mean that 17-year-old Mikey Moore, who replaced Son in the lineup against Palace, could move to the bench.
Speaking to Tottenham News, King said:
“If Son is fit he will definitely return.”
“Postecoglou needs to play what he feels is his best team. If these players can’t be motivated to play against the English champions at home, then I don’t know what to say. I mean what more do you want?
“Son will start as long as he is fit, which means Mikey Moore will drop out of the team.”
Moore failed to make an impact against Crystal Palace
Moore, who has shown promise in his recent Europa League performance against AZ Alkmaar, was given his first Premier League start by Postecoglou last week, highlighting the manager’s faith in his potential.
However, against Palace, Moore struggled to break down a resilient defensive setup, playing alongside Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson on the left wing.
Meanwhile, Son on his return from injury against West Ham wreaked havoc, scoring one superb goal and was involved in two more.
Whether he is fit for the game remains to be seen. While Ange ruled him out for the Palace game, he did not give a definitive answer on whether he will be fit for the game against Manchester City. In his presser before the Palace game, he left Son’s availability against City to a last-minute fitness check, stating: “we’ll see how he is beyond that.”
Spurs fans are hopeful that their captain will be ready to lead the squad in this critical fixture.
With City standing as one of their biggest obstacles on the path to a trophy, Son’s presence could be pivotal as Tottenham push to end their trophy drought and advance in the League Cup.
