After losing the prize, Vinicius Jr. missed out on a significant bonus. Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri won the Ballon d’Or on Monday, October 28.
Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid came in second and third, respectively.
Unfortunately for Vinicius Junior, Rodri, the Manchester City and Spain midfielder, won the prize after a glittering season that included success in the Premier League and the European Championship.
The forward from Brazil was extremely disappointed. However, the amount of money he could lose if he came in second in the voting may have contributed to his frustration.
Globo claims that if the winger had become the first Brazilian player since Kaka in 2007 to win the award, he would have received a bonus of €1 million (£833,000).
According to the publication, the clause was a part of the 24-year-old’s most recent contract extension with the club. A similar provision was included in the contract that Karim Benzema, the final player to win the Ballon d’Or, signed with Madrid.
Vinicius broke his silence just a few minutes after an emotional Rodri won the award on Tuesday night in honor of his roles in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 and their fourth straight Premier League title.
‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready,’ he posted on X”
Vinicius was a big favorite to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024 because he helped Madrid win both the LaLiga and the UEFA Champions League.
Ballon d’Or Organisers Give Full Reasons Why Vinicius Junior Was Left Out!
On the other hand, Vinicius Jr. was overlooked, according to Clarence Seedorf, a former Madrid star.
‘I already voted almost a year ago and I think Vinicius deserved this award. It seems that there is something between Real Madrid and UEFA that seems to be unresolved. The problems between Real Madrid and UEFA should be kept outside of these matters. It’s a shame.’, Seedorf said.
