A Real Madrid legend has claimed an "unsolved" dispute has contributed to Vinicius not winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
Having been one of the favourites for the award after helping Real win La Liga and the Champions League, Vinicius led a Los Blancos boycott at the ceremony after becoming aware that he had not won.
The Brazil star finished second and was pipped by Manchester City midfielder Rodri after he played a key role in a record fourth Premier League title in a row and followed it up by being named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 as Spain went all the way in Germany.
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Real had no presence at the ceremony in Paris despite multiple nominations across the board and the fact the club and Carlo Ancelotti won awards. In the aftermath of the result, a number of players put out statements and messages to Vinicius, who also broke his silence and wrote, "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready."
And former Real midfielder Clarence Seedorf has his own view on when Vinicius did not emerge victorious, feeling as though it was related to an issue between Real and UEFA.
"I already voted almost a year ago and I think Vinicius deserved this award," Seedorf told TNT Sports Brasil at the ceremony, as per the Daily Mail.
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"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's comments follow on from a quote from a Real source, who said that "it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid" according to AS.
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Vinicius reportedly had a private party organised and promised every one of his teammates a special gift.
Despite the uproar from a Real perspective, France Football's chief editor Vincent Garcia gave an explanation for why Vinicius did not win the award.
“I can guarantee you that no one from City or Real Madrid knew, maybe they had a feeling," he said, as per Goal.
"Maybe El Clasico didn’t help. I don’t know.
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“It was close. Vinícius probably suffered from the presence of Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal in Top 5.”
Topics: Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr, Ballon d'Or, Rodri
Josh Lawless