"You are a giant and you have already made football history" - Brazil support Vinicius Jr

Brazil's government stressed on Monday that Vinicius Junior's "greatness" goes "beyond awards" after the Real Madrid striker failed to win the Ballon d'Or, a decision that caused disappointment among fans in the South American country.

"You are a giant and you have already made football history, not only for your incredible ability on the pitch, but also for your tireless fight against racism," the Ministry of Sport wrote on social media in a message to the Real Madrid player.

In addition, the government, which has also expressed its support for the player in the past when he has been the victim of racist attacks in Spain, assured that the sport it supports is done "with respect" and that Vinicius Junior is a source of pride.

Flamengo, the team where he trained, expressed its "immense pride" in having seen him born as a player and said he had become a "reference on and off the pitch".

"There was great expectation for a coronation day, but if it did not come from those who voted in the awards, it will come from those who know you are the best," the club said in a message.

Veteran Brazilian footballer Marta, who has been named FIFA's best player in the world six times but never won a Ballon d'Or, was also outraged and said she had waited all year to see her compatriot receive the award.

"What Ballon d'Or is that?" she said in a video posted on social media in which she is seen pushing a trolley with a dog in it.

A few hours before the start of the ceremony, a group of Vinicius Junior's friends and former neighbours cancelled the meeting they had organised to follow the awards, after learning that neither the Brazilian nor anyone from Real Madrid would be travelling to Paris.

 

October 28, 2024