Vinicius’ numbers before and after 2024 Ballon d’Or snub paint a stark picture | OneFootball

Life has not been the same for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. since being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or last year and it is clear that the player’s form took a strong hit after the disappointment.

While it would indeed be shallow to equate all of his drop in form to just losing the award, it seems to be the only logical explanation for nothing changed around him in the team to suggest an altered environment.

Moreover, his numbers since losing the award speak strongly of its causation of the player’s drop in form for there is a clear change in trend before and after last year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony.

An underwhelming year

It was in October last year that Vinicius was tipped to win the Ballon d’Or However, Real Madrid were informed that Rodri was winning the award ahead of the Brazilian.

Los Blancos eventually boycotted the ceremony despite having some winners in their ranks, in solidarity with Vinicius. Yet, the setback appears to have hit the player extremely hard.

In his last 49 games for Real Madrid before being snubbed of the award, Vinicius scored 31 goals and provided 14 assists for Real Madrid, also winning four titles in the process.

In the same number of games after finishing second, however, he has racked up just 16 goals and 13 assists and has won just one title with the club.

Clearly, the player’s output in terms of goals has halved in the period and backs the claim that the Ballon d’Or of last year was a turning point in the player’s career.

Under Xabi Alonso this season, Vinicius is no longer guaranteed a starting spot either, and has already been benched two times in six games, while not completing 90 minutes in even one.

Given his obvious quality, it is time for the Brazilian international to step up and showcase his pre-Ballon d’Or snub form again at Real Madrid.