Ballon d’Or 2024: Manchester City boss targets Vinicius after Rodri wins prestigious prize

Pep Guardiola appeared to chide Vinicius Jr for abstaining from the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
The Spanish tactician’s statement follows Vinicius’ decision not to take part in Monday night’s event.
Meanwhile, a France Football insider explained why the Brazilian lost the prize to Rodri

Manchester City Head coach Pep Guardiola has spoken out against Vinicius Junior after the Real Madrid striker missed the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where City player Rodri was up for the award.

Guardiola, who was among the nominees for the best coach title, made a thinly veiled criticism of Vinicius’ absence from the gala in Paris.

Pep Guardiola has slightly targeted Vinicius after Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or. — Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola gave Vinicius a slight brush off after Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Photos: Soccrates Images and Frank Fife.
Source: YuGK

Vini and Madrid miss Ballon d’Or due to Rodri’s victory

Reports from Spain stated that Vini Jr. and real Madrid the camp refrained from participating after learning that it would not receive the prestigious award.

Reactions to the news:

Here are some fan responses.

@JosephA08715533:

“They are still trying to recover from Barca.

@Triple____M:

“Manchester City bought the award for Rodri.”

@oliverp:

“No one wants them, if they don’t respect the voices of 100 journalists, please don’t let them participate in the 2025 Club World Cup.”

@angusnegrin:

“Respect for Real Madrid.”

@m_adnanjamil:

“It’s unfortunate to see such a tough stance from Real Madrid.” Vinicius Jr.’s talent deserves recognition.”

@Oliver_Bennett_:

“Dramatic suspense! What a wild night!

@Mo_Arsenal9:

“Such crying babies.”

@Iyaka_naA_budu:

“They don’t have to boycott.”

Meanwhile, Rodri made history as the first Spaniard to lift the prestigious trophy since 1960, a monumental achievement for both him and Manchester City, according to Flashscore.

Guardiola reflected on the evening’s events, admitting Vinicius would have been a deserving recipient.

Guardiola appears to have criticized Vinicius

But he noted that the Brazilian’s absence contrasts with the emergence of Erling Haaland last year, when Lionel Messi took home his record eighth Ballon d’Or.

“If Vini won the Ballon d’Or, it would be more than deserved! Just like last season with Haaland, and he didn’t win,” Guardiola said, as reported Gola Center.

“And he was there, he was happy, he congratulated Messi and okay, let’s try to compete next season if we can be there again.”

Guardiola’s comments subtly underscored the importance of sportsmanship and resilience in achieving football’s most coveted honours, qualities he values in his players who strive for greatness.

The reason Vinicius lost the Ballon d’Or

In related news Brief news reported that France Football editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia gave an explanation about the Ballon d’Or.