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Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has pledged to continue working hard in pursuit of individual accolades, undeterred by his recent loss in the 2024 Ballon d’Or race to Manchester City’s Rodri.
In a brief yet determined post on X, Vinicius shared his commitment to excellence after a surprising turn of events saw him fall short of winning the prestigious award.
The Brazil international was a strong contender for the Ballon d’Or, but a late decision led Real Madrid to boycott the award ceremony on Monday.
Shortly after Rodri was confirmed winner, Vinicius tweeted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Rodri won the Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid’s trio of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
READ ALSO: Real Madrid reportedly set to boycott Ballon d’Or ceremony over Vinicius Jr snub
Asked what Vinicius meant with his post, his management staff told Reuters that he was referring to his fight against racism.
They believe it was what led to him not winning the award, saying that “the football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system.”
The 24-year-old Brazilian international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions in Spain, leading to at least two convictions for racist insults in pioneer cases in the country.
Real also won the Men’s Club of the Year award, and their manager Carlo Ancelotti was named men’s coach of the year after winning the European and Spanish league double in a near-perfect campaign last season.
France Football, which organises the Ballon d’Or awards, was not immediately available for comment.
The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.
“FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my bro,” Real’s Eduardo Camavinga posted on X.