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Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola admitted that Vinicius would have been more than deserving of the Ballon d'Or.
Despite his player winning the highly coveted Ballon d’Or, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola admitted that Real Madrid's Vinicius would have been a deserving winner of France Football's grand prize.
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17:00 - 29.10.2024
'No longer underrated' — Gundogan hails Rodri for beating Vinicius Junior to Ballon d'Or
Ilkay Gundogan has hailed his Manchester City teammate Rodri for winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or.
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12:45 - 29.10.2024
I DON'T need social media — 2024 Ballon d’Or winner throws shade at Vinicius Jr
Rodri has opened up on why he does not have a social media account despite becoming the best player in the world.
Rodri beats Vinicius to Ballon d'Or
After a season of hard work, months of speculating and weeks of anticipating, the Ballon d'Or has come and gone, and every football fan with access to any sports media outlet is already aware Spain international Rodri reigned supreme.
While the former Atletico Madrid man was the critics’ favourite (as journalists are the voters of the Ballon d'Or), the average football fan, at least going by the outrage on social media after Rodri was given the price, thought Vinicius was more deserving.
The player and his club, Real Madrid, seemingly share similar sentiments, as they boycott the gala, despite head coach Carlo Ancelotti winning Coach of the Year and the team in their entirety winning Club of the Year.
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What Guardiola said
Speaking after the game, Guardiola attempted to address the controversy. While he is glad that his player and compatriot won the prize, as Pulse Sports reported, he is able to admit that the Brazilian who came in second would have also been deserving of a place higher.
However, he seemingly disagrees with Vinicius's and Real Madrid's choice to boycott the award show, as he referenced Erling Haaland's gracious acceptance of a second-place position to Lionel Messi last time out.
"If Vini would have won the Ballon d'Or, it would have been more than well deserved,” Guardiola said in a presser, per Fabrizio Romano.
"Like last season with Erling Haaland... and he didn't win. Erling was there, he was happy, and congratulate Messi and OK, let's try to do next season!"
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