The debate around Vinicius Junior’s exclusion from the 2024 Ballon d’Or spotlights a recurring tension in football: how do we measure greatness?
On paper, Vinicius had a nearly flawless season, winning La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid.
Across 49 games for club and country, he amassed 26 goals and 11 assists, often delivering in critical moments—like his two goals in the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich and a hat-trick against Barcelona in the Supercopa.
However, the accolade ultimately went to Rodri, raising deeper questions about the nature of football’s most coveted individual prize.
Rodri’s triumph embodies a different kind of excellence. While Vinicius captivated fans with his flair and decisive contributions, Rodri’s value lay in his consistency and versatility.
His ability to control games from midfield was pivotal for Manchester City and Spain, with each of City’s defeats coinciding with his absence—a statistic that underscores his importance. Rodri’s performances also extended to the international stage, leading Spain to victory in Euro 2024, which may have swayed the jury’s decision in his favor.
The Ballon d’Or Dilemma: Trophies vs. Impact
The Ballon d’Or often treads a fine line between statistical achievements and narrative arcs. In Vinícius’s case, his exceptional performances were undeniable, but the absence of international success with Brazil may have diminished his candidacy. History shows that individual brilliance does not always guarantee the award—names like Wesley Sneijder (2010), Franck Ribery (2013), and Virgil van Dijk (2019) serve as reminders of how subjective the voting process can be.
Rodri’s victory reflects the committee's occasional preference for players who exemplify collective triumphs. His role in City’s treble-winning season and Spain’s Euro campaign mirrored the weight given to Luka Modrić’s win in 2018, when Croatia’s World Cup run gave him the edge over more flamboyant talents.
Yet, this raises the question: if winning trophies and performing well for the national team or club were paramount, why have players like Jorginho (2021), Wesley Sneijder, David Villa, Diego Forlan, Iniesta in 2010, Forlan in 2011, Drogba and Iniesta in 2012, Manuel Nuer or Toni Kroos in 2014 or Virgil van Dijk or Alission in 2019e been overlooked in the past?
The Heart vs. the Head
Choosing a Ballon d’Or winner often involves balancing tangible success with the intangible qualities that define a player’s aura.
For Vinicius, 2023-24 was about more than statistics—it was about rising to the occasion in moments that demanded brilliance. His goals saved crucial points in the league and propelled Madrid to European glory, reinforcing his status as one of the most impactful forwards in the world.
But Rodri’s selection reminds us that football’s beauty lies not only in artistry but also in balance, discipline, and control—qualities that are sometimes less glamorous but equally vital.
A Step in a Larger Journey
While missing out on the Ballon d’Or may sting, it is hardly a career-defining setback for Vinicius. His trajectory suggests that he is only beginning to unlock his potential. The next chapter lies in translating his club brilliance into success on the international stage with Brazil. As Neymar pointed out, Vinicius has already exceeded expectations, becoming an icon for both club and country.
Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or’s decision reflects a broader truth: football is a narrative sport. Sometimes, it favours the orchestrator over the virtuoso. For Vinicius, the challenge now is not just to shine for Real Madrid but to lead Brazil to glory—because, in football, legacy is often forged not just in moments but across continents, in both white and yellow shirts.
Thank You
Faisal Caesar
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