Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday that it was “unjust” for Real Madrid player Vinicius Junior to miss this year’s award.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s comments come months after Manchester City midfielder Rodri received the prestigious award in October, with favorite Vinicius finishing second.
Rodri helped City win a fourth successive Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 while striker Vinicius led Real Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League title.
Controversy loomed over this year’s ceremony in Paris after Vinicius Madrid boycotted the event.
“In my opinion, he deserved to win the Ballon d’Or. It’s unfair. I say that here in front of everyone,” former Real Madrid striker Ronaldo said during the World Football Awards ceremony.
The 39-year-old Portugal captain added: “They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League.”
Only Argentine star Lionel Messi, with his eight successes, has won more Ballon d’Ors than Ronaldo.
The Ballon d’Or winner is selected from a shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.