"Football politics; you're the best" - Real Madrid squad back Vinicius Jr

Brazilian Vinicius Jr. finished second in the Ballon d'Or vote, which recognises last season's best footballer, despite his victory being taken for granted in recent days, with some team-mates taking to social media with a common message: "You are the best".

The harshest was Frenchman Eduardo Camavinga, who blamed football politics for the Brazilian's failure to win the award.

"Football politics. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. I love you brother," he wrote.

 

October 28, 2024

"You are the best and no one can take that away from you, the best," shared Eder Militao.

 

October 28, 2024

In addition to Andriy Lunin, with a photo alongside Vinicius and the message "you are the best", his coach, Ancelotti, who was named best coach last season but did not attend to collect the award, also took a stand after Madrid cancelled his trip to Paris for the gala after learning that neither Vini nor Carvajal would receive the Ballon d'Or, considering it "a lack of respect", according to 'EFE' sources at the club.

 

October 28, 2024

"I want to thank my family, my president, my club, my players and, above all, Vini and Carvajal," the Italian coach posted to express his gratitude for the award.

 

October 28, 2024

Aurelien Tchouameni also vindicated his team-mates: ‘They are not ready for what you're gonna deliver," he wrote, referring to Vinicius' message minutes after Rodri was awarded the Ballon d'Or.

 

October 28, 2024

His former teammate Kroos was the first to express himself on social media. He posted a photo hugging the Brazilian with a message: "The best". Vinicius replied to his former team-mate: "I love you, Antonio!

 

October 28, 2024