Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has expressed disappointment with Uganda and three other countries for failing to cast votes for Vinicius Junior during the 2024 Ballon d’Or voting.
Perez argued that this lack of support may have cost the Real Madrid forward the prestigious award.
The criticism came after Manchester City’s Rodri was crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, sparking debates in the football world about the fairness of the decision.
Speaking during an event, Perez specifically singled out Uganda, Namibia, Albania, and Finland, accusing journalists from these nations of overlooking Vinicius Junior’s achievements.
“If the journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland had not voted, Vinicius would be the Ballon d’Or winner. These countries did not give Vinicius a single vote,” Perez claimed.
The Real Madrid boss expressed frustration with the current voting system, questioning the credibility of voters from nations with less influence in global football.
He suggested that coaches and respected figures in the sport should oversee the voting process to ensure fairness and transparency.
Perez’s frustration stems from Vinicius Junior’s stellar 2023/24 season. The Brazilian forward played a key role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.
Despite his impressive performances, Rodri’s contributions to Manchester City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s UEFA European Championship win were deemed more significant by voters.
Uganda’s Ballon d’Or Voting
In Uganda, the voting was done by Daily Monitor journalist Allan Daren Kyeyune, who placed Vinicius Junior in eighth position. His top vote went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, followed by Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Vinicius did not make Kyeyune’s top five.
Here’s how Uganda voted:
- Rodri (Manchester City/Spain)
- Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid/England)
- Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid/Spain)
- Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan/Argentina)
- Harry Kane (Bayern Munich/England)
- Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain/France)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City/Norway)
- Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid/Brazil)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City/England)
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta/Nigeria)
