‘Best in the world’ - Newcastle United captain weighs in on controversial Ballon d’Or debate
Bruno Guimaraes has declared Vinicius Junior as the “best player in the world” following his Ballon d’Or snub.
Bookmakers priced the Brazilian as the red-hot favourite for the annual award until 24 hours ago. A stellar campaign saw Vinicius lift the La Liga and Champions League titles for Real Madrid.
His 83rd-minute strike at Wembley helped Los Blancos clinch a historic 15th European crown earlier this year. However, news soon emerged that Manchester City midfielder Rodri - ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury - had scooped the award.
Rodri was integral in City claiming a fourth consecutive Premier League crown and Euro 2024 with Spain. Despite being substituted at half-time in the final against England, the 28-year-old was crowned the world’s best player at an awards ceremony last night.
Debates have raged on social media about whether Rodri - the Premier League’s first winner since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 - is a deserved winner. Criticism has also been levelled at Vinicius after Real Madrid players boycotted the event in Paris.
The forward insisted “they aren’t ready” on social media following the snub - with no congratulatory message to City star Rodri. His international teammate, Newcastle talisman Guimaraes, also consoled Vinicius.
“Brother, you are the pride of our country and our best in the world,” he posted on Instagram. “We’ll always be with you.”
Chants of “Vini” could be heard as legendary former striker George Weah read out the result. Rodri, using crutches due to his ACL setback, revealed international teammate Dani Carvajal, who plays for Madrid, reached out in support.
"I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me,” he said. “I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury.”