Rodri's victory highlights the growing competitiveness in the Ballon d'Or race, moving away from the era dominated by a few players like Messi.
The voting results reflect a shift in how players from different clubs, particularly Real Madrid, are perceived by the media and jurors, indicating potential biases in the voting process.
Vinícius's disappointment may resonate with fans and players alike, sparking broader conversations about recognition and fairness in football awards.
The growing scrutiny of the Ballon d'Or voting process may lead to changes in how votes are cast or the criteria used for evaluation in future years.
As more players emerge as top contenders, the Ballon d'Or may become increasingly contentious, with debates around fairness and bias continuing to intensify.
Vinícius Júnior's strong performance this year could position him as a frontrunner for future awards, especially if he maintains his form.
The results of the 2024 Ballon d'Or voting have been revealed, with Manchester City's Rodri narrowly defeating Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior by just 41 points. Rodri received 1,170 points, translating to 17.6% of the total votes, while Vinícius garnered 1,129 points, or 17%. This marks the closest result since 2019 when Lionel Messi edged out Virgil van Dijk. The ceremony took place on October 28 in Paris, and the details of the voting process have sparked considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike.
The voting jury consisted of 99 members, of whom 15 did not rank either Rodri or Vinícius as their top choice, favoring other Real Madrid players instead. Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, and Toni Kroos were among those who received significant votes, with Bellingham being chosen as the top player by five jurors. Interestingly, no two jury members agreed on the exact top 10, highlighting the subjective nature of the voting process. This year's voting criteria included individual performance, decisiveness, and impact, as well as collective performance and fair play.
The announcement has led to controversy, particularly regarding Vinícius's performance and expectations. The Brazilian forward expressed disappointment over the outcome, questioning the fairness of the voting process. Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland also fell short of the top five, with Mbappé missing out by just 12 points. The detailed voting breakdown is set to be featured in a special issue of France Football, further fueling discussions around the award and its implications for the players involved.
