Former Barcelona star claims Vinícius should have won 2024 Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

A recent departure from the first-team ranks at La Liga giants Barcelona has revealed his take that Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. was deserving of last year’s Ballon d’Or.

The 2024 ‘Golden Ball’ ceremony of course sparked widespread debate across the world of football.

As much came after the aforementioned Vinícius – the long-time favourite for the award – was snubbed at the last.

In a surprise amongst fans and the media alike, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was instead crowned the game’s standout player for the 12 months prior.

So insulted were Real Madrid by as much, that Los Blancos, as a club, made the call to boycott the gala.

Such actions were widely criticised across the globe, considered disrespectful to Rodri and the rest of the evening’s winners.

As alluded to above, though, one individual who remains adamant that Vinícius was the prize’s deserving winner, is Iñigo Martínez.

Speaking during an interview with Marca this weekend, former Barcelona defender Iñigo was drawn on his previous comments regarding the Brazilian’s candidacy for the Ballon d’Or.

And the summer departure from Catalunya’s capital was not shy in doubling down, responding:

”Of course I expected it, like many others. For me, the best was Vinicius, and in the end, votes are what they are… fair or unfair, let everyone judge and express their opinion. Last year it was for Vinícius, and this year it’s for Dembélé. I wanted Lamine to win, but.”

Conor Laird – GSFN