"How Were the Journalists Chosen?": Florentino Pérez Criticizes Ballon d’Or Organizers
Liam Garcia
Dailysports's expert
Real Madrid held a general assembly where president Florentino Pérez delivered a speech addressing various topics. One of his focal points was Vinícius Júnior, who missed out on the Ballon d’Or last month, prompting Pérez to criticize the award’s organizers.
Quote. "We are proud to have a player like Vinícius. For us, and for most football fans, he is the best player in the world. Dear Vini, I want you to know that Real Madrid is proud of you and of everything you’ve had to endure—often unfairly. All of it has made you the player you are today."
"We must ask the Ballon d’Or organizers what criteria they use to select the journalists who vote for this award," Pérez added.
Context. Vinícius Júnior was one of the top contenders for the Ballon d’Or but ultimately lost to Manchester City’s Rodri. Real Madrid’s management was reportedly stunned by the decision and chose to boycott the award ceremony in protest.
