Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr. has expressed his commitment to continue fighting against racism, even if his activism is perceived as a reason for not winning the Ballon d’Or. Following the announcement that he finished second in the prestigious award voting—behind Manchester City midfielder Rodrigo—Vinicius took to social media to reaffirm his stance.
Vinicius stated, “I will do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready,” referring to his ongoing battle against racism in football. His remarks followed Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, anticipating that he would not win the award.
Sources close to Vinicius indicated that his activism was a contributing factor to the award outcome, suggesting that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.” This reflects the broader issues of racism within the sport, which Vinicius has faced on multiple occasions in Spain.
While Vinicius did not win the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid secured the Men’s Club of the Year award, and manager Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year after leading the team to a successful season.
Following the announcement, Vinicius received an outpouring of support from teammates. Eduardo Camavinga shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro.” Many teammates echoed similar sentiments, celebrating Vinicius as the best player despite the award results.
Renowned Brazilian footballer Marta expressed her disappointment, stating, “I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognized as the best player in the world, and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d’Or is not for him.”
Vinicius Jr.’s unwavering stance against racism in football highlights the ongoing struggles faced by athletes in addressing systemic issues within the sport. Despite not winning the Ballon d’Or, his influence and contributions to Real Madrid’s success, as well as his commitment to social justice, resonate with fans and fellow players alike. The support he has garnered reinforces the sentiment that his impact goes beyond awards and recognition, as he continues to advocate for change in the football community.