Real Madrid's Decision to Skip the Ballon d'Or Ceremony: An Analysis

In the world of football, the Ballon d'Or is one of the most prestigious awards a player can receive. In 2023, Real Madrid took the decision not to attend the ceremony due to what they perceived as a snub. However, the question remains: should they have skipped the event? This article delves into the arguments both for and against, with a focus on Vinicius Jr.'s performance and impact during the season.

The Context: Vinicius Jr. and His Performance

Vinicius Jr., a forward for Real Madrid, has been a key player for the team in recent seasons. He has demonstrated exceptional talent, particularly in the 2023-2024 season, where he managed to score 15 goals in La Liga and 6 goals in the Champions League. Despite these impressive stats, Vinicius did not rank in the top ten of the top five leagues in terms of goals scored.

It is worth noting that Real Madrid's success in both La Liga and the Champions League was not solely dependent on Vinicius' performances. A significant portion of the credit for the victories must go to other players, particularly Jude Bellingham, who anchored a tough defense led by the tenacious right-back, Dani Carvajal. Carvajal was the only player to contribute to both the league and cup titles, in addition to his involvement in the Euros with Spain.

Furthermore, Toni Kroos, a midfielder for Real Madrid, was instrumental in the team's success. His contribution cannot be underestimated in the context of the team's achievements. Considering the overall performance of the team and individual contributions, it is reasonable to question whether Vinicius was the best player of the year.

The Argument for a Snub

The argument that Real Madrid faced a "snub" centers around the perceived distribution of honors. Vinicius Jr. did not receive the Ballon d'Or, an award that is often seen as a combined measure of individual and team performance. While he had a significant impact on the team's success, the conversation surrounding the Ballon d'Or has been dominated by the performances of other players.

One of the main points of contention is Vinicius' start to the season, which was underwhelming. Additionally, his performance during Copa America with Brazil was subpar. These factors, combined with other strong performances in the league and cup, raise questions about whether Vinicius was truly the best player of the year.

Comparing Vinicius to Other Top Performers

When comparing Vinicius' performance to other top performers, it becomes evident that he is not the only player deserving of recognition. Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, provides a compelling example. Rodri contributed significantly to City's success in the league and the Euros, and his absence from the team had a noticeable impact. On the other hand, Haaland, who scored significantly more goals than Vinicius, was also a strong candidate for the award.

Given these facts, it can be argued that Real Madrid's decision to skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony was overblown. A club of Real Madrid's pedigree and historical success should maintain a level of decorum and reserve such actions for more significant snubs or controversies.

The Impact of Real Madrid's Decision

Real Madrid's decision to skip the event came as a surprise and was met with mixed reactions. Some fans and media members felt that the club's perceived snub was justified, while others criticized the decision as a lack of class. The decision potentially misled the public into believing that Vinicius was the only player who deserved the award, which is not reflective of the broader picture.

Overall, the debate surrounding Real Madrid's decision to skip the Ballon d'Or ceremony highlights the complexity of awarding such prestigious honors. Individual and team performances, influence, and patterns of success all play a role in determining the best player of the year. As the football community continues to discuss and analyze the decision, it serves as a reminder of the multifaceted nature of football achievements.