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

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

Reports from Spain suggested that Vini Jr and the Real Madrid team had abstained from participating after learning he would not receive the prestigious prize.

The decision not to participate raised eyebrows, with some calling the move unsportsmanlike.

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 highlighted the importance of sportsmanship and resilience in achieving football’s most coveted honours, qualities he clearly values ​​in his players as they continue to strive for greatness.

Messi’s heartfelt message to Ballon d’Or winners

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported that Lionel Messi sends heartfelt message to 2024 Ballon d’Or winners.

Although Messi was stripped of his title as the world’s best player, he demonstrated his sportsmanship with this thoughtful gesture.

The reason Vinicius lost the Ballon d’Or

In related news YEN.com.gh reported that France Football editor-in-chief Vincent Garcia explained why Vinicius Jr ended up missing out at the Ballon d’Or.

In a surprise move, it was announced that Manchester City’s Rodri had won the award, becoming the first Spaniard to do so since 1960.

Vinicius was initially the favorite after an outstanding season in which he led Real Madrid to both the League and Champions League triumphs.

Source: YEN.com.gh