Eduardo Camavinga hits out at ‘football politics’ after Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Real Madrid stars show support to defeated Vinicius Jr

Despite being viewed as the frontrunner to win the Ballon d’Or prior to the ceremony, Madrid winger Vinicius Jr ultimately finished second in the voting behind City star Rodri, who became the first midfielder to win the prize since Luka Modric in 2018, and the first Premier League player to do since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

• Getty

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Now, Camavinga and his fellow Madrid stars Andriy Lunin, Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni showed their support for the Brazil international. Vinicius has already broken his silence after the snub, insisting “they’re not ready” for the performances that will follow over the remainder of the season.

• • WHAT CAMAVINGA AND CO SAID

    Camavinga wrote: “Football politics. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.”

    Lunin posted a picture of Vinicius on Instagram with a crude medal drawn around his neck, and the words: “You’re the best.”

    Valverde posted on Instagram: “There’s no award that acknowledges how good you are. And I’m not just talking about your player quality but off the pitch as well. I love you brother.”

    Tchouameni said on X: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.”

    Centre-back and Brazil team-mate Eder Militao said: You are the best and no one can take that away from you! The Best!”

  • Getty Images Sport

    WHAT NEXT?

    Real Madrid are still licking their wounds from the weekend’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona. They will aim to put things right on Saturday against Valencia.