At the Globe Soccer Awards 2024 held on December 27, Cristiano Ronaldo stirred controversy during his acceptance speech by criticizing the recent Ballon d'Or results. The legendary forward, now playing for Al-Nassr, claimed the prestigious award was unjustly awarded to Rodri of Manchester City, instead of the Brazilian star Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid.
Ronaldo, who received accolades as the top scorer of all time and best player of the Middle East during the awards ceremony, voiced his strong opinions on the subject, stating, "Na minha opinião, Vinicius merecia ganhar a Bola de Ouro. Foi injusto na minha opinião. Digo aqui na frente de todos. Deram para Rodrigo, merecia também, mas Vinicius merecia mais. Venceu a Champions League, fez gol na final..." This translates to, "In my opinion, Vinicius deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. It was unfair, I say this before everyone. They gave it to Rodri; he deserved it too, but Vinicius deserved it more. He won the Champions League and scored in the final…"
The Globe Soccer Awards, held annually and often referred to as the Dubai D'or, aims to honor the best talents of the football world, closely aligning with the findings of the Ballon d'Or and The Best awards. This year's ceremony, conducted at the iconic location of Dubai, UAE, showcased numerous talents and recognized celebrated figures across various categories beyond just player awards, which included best coaching achievements and contributions to football.
During the ceremony, Vinicius Jr. was recognized as the best player of the year and was visibly moved upon receiving the honor. His acceptance speech reflected gratitude, especially acknowledging Ronaldo's supportive remarks. "Se o Cristiano está falando, estou acreditando que sou o melhor. Ele é meu ídolo junto com o Neymar, e tenho a honra de receber o prêmio de melhor jogador da temporada com meus dois ídolos me observando, é uma honra," Vinicius stated, meaning "If Cristiano is speaking, I believe I am the best. He is my idol along with Neymar, and it is an honor to receive the best player award of the season with my two idols watching me; it’s truly honorable."
Ronaldo continued his comments, focusing on the new generation of football players. He expressed admiration for the talents of the younger athletes, including Jude Bellingham and Lamine Yamal, emphasizing their impressive growth and commitment to building successful careers. Ronaldo said, "Eu adoro o jeito que eles estão fazendo a carreira deles. Vinicius, que está fazendo um trabalho fantástico. Ele merecia a Bola de Ouro. Foi injusto. Eu falo na frente de todo mundo," which translates to, "I love the way they are building their careers... Vinicus, who is doing fantastic work. He deserved the Ballon d'Or. It was unfair. I say this before everyone."
The debate surrounding the Ballon d'Or results and Ronaldo's comments added significant attention to this year’s Globe Soccer Awards. Critics argue the process of selecting winners often lacks transparency. Many believe it should recognize not solely statistical performance but also notable achievements like tournament victories. Vinicius Jr., regardless of not winning the Ballon d'Or, recently clinched the FIFA The Best award, celebrating his extraordinary accomplishments over the past year, solidifying his status as one of football's elite talents.
Throughout the awards, several other honors were distributed, highlighting various contributors to football success. Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid received the accolade for best coach, signifying his impactful role this season. Ronaldo's comments added fuel to the conversation about awards selection and what constitutes merit, with many fans and analysts agreeing with his perspective on Vinicius Jr.
Fans of both Vinicius Jr. and Ronaldo have taken to social media platforms to express their appreciation for the young player, and many rallied behind Ronaldo’s statement on the fairness of the Ballon d'Or decision. The dialogue surrounding the awards continues to engage audiences, prompting discussions about meritocracy and recognition within the beautiful game.
Despite the contention around the Ballon d'Or results, the Globe Soccer Awards reaffirmed Vinicius Jr.'s talent and place among the new generation of stars. His determination, alongside Ronaldo's support, serves as encouragement for his future endeavors on the pitch and beyond.
