Ex-Serie A and Madrid star explains Vinicius Jr. Ballon d’Or defeat: ‘It’s a shame’ | OneFootball

Former Real Madrid and Milan star Clarence Seedorf added to the voices criticising the decision not to award the 2024 Ballon d’Or to Vinicius Junior, as he pointed at ‘problems’ between UEFA and the Spanish giants as a decisive factor for the outcome.

The Brazilian star, who scored in the final against Borussia Dortmund to help his side win their 15th Champions League title last season, was widely considered the favourite for the award, at least until reports on Monday afternoon suggested that Manchester City’s Rodri was meant to win instead, leading Real Madrid’s delegation to boycott the ceremony in Paris.

Seedorf: Vinicius Junior penalised by ‘problems between Real Madrid and UEFA’

Many players and football personalities sent messages in support of Vinicius Junior, and Seedorf also defined the final verdict as a ‘shame’.

“I think there are problems between Real Madrid and UEFA, which affected some things in the results,” Seedorf told TNT Sports during the awards ceremony, as reported by The Athletic.

“Vinicius Junior is the one who definitely deserves the award. It is a shame.”

Seedorf played three and a half seasons with Real Madrid, winning both La Liga and a Champions League trophy with the Blancos before moving to Serie A, as he signed for Inter in 2000.