Ballon d’Or

REAL MADRID cancelling their appearance at the Ballon d’Or awards night was silly, small-minded and unsporting.The Spanish club acted in support of Vinicius Jr, whose claim to be football star of the year was rejected in favour of Manchester City’s Rodri.Rodri won this year’s Ballon d’Or in a ceremony boycotted by Real MadridCredit: APReal Madrid acted in support of runner-up Vinicius Jr, who has suffered appalling racist abuseCredit: AlamyReal impressed no one. Yet, from the club’s point of view, acting in sympathy with Vinicius Jr made sense.He consistently suffers appalling racial abuse and missing out on such a major award would have been a further blow in public.This is what racism on the terraces can do. And you don’t have to be a sensitive soul to be depressed by a barrage of filth aimed at you.Even minor abuse on the pitch, as well as from the sidelines, is unsettling and must be firmly punished.READ MORE REAL MADRID NEWSAbusers of Vinicius Jr appear regularly in Spanish courts and so do other contaminators — including a Real fan in the El Clasico at the Bernabeu no less.Barcelona’s 17-year-old Lamine Yamal was on the end of vile language after scoring.English football suffers similar incidents but the number of them in Spain is even more shameful.LaLiga has reported 25 cases of racial abuse of Brazilian Vinicius Jr, 24, and recently three men were jailed for eight months.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSuch has been the applause for his own conduct that, last season, he was presented with the Socrates Award for his fight against racism.Yet his efforts to stop this filth is like standing in front of a fast-moving car in a gamble to dodge it.Rodri claims the 2024 Ballon d’Or and is congratulated by his motherIn tears at one press conference, Vinicius Jr (above) said: “I just want to play football but it’s hard to move forward . . . I feel less and less like playing. It never crossed my mind to leave Spain as, if I do, I give the racists exactly what they want.“I will stay because, that way, the racists can continue to see my face more and more.“I’m a bold player, I play for Real and we win a lot of titles — and that doesn’t sit well with a lot of people.”But from fans of Osasuna, Mallorca, Real Valladolid, Barcelona, Atletico and at least five other clubs, the insults have continued.Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineIn England, the Kick it Out campaign quickly made an impact on supporters but the problem is far from over.Racism is still an issue, while arrests are infrequent but still occur. This was illustrated by the horrific racist abuse faced by England players Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford after missing penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy.Much of this came on social media and, frankly, any player who bothers with it is asking for trouble.There is a good deal of legislation against racial abuse in and around football grounds.And I am happy to say it is not welcomed on the terraces either, with fans making it obvious what they think of culprits.But for Vinicius Jr, nothing much has improved. He scores a lot of goals and after he does so, often he dances. And why not?His samba moves have been used as a reason for racial insults — but that’s garbage.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn a further disgrace, his effigy was hung from a bridge near Madrid before a derby with Atletico and four men were later arrested.That is what hate can do: curdle humanity and bring tears.So thank goodness Vinicius Jr is still scoring goals. More

VINICIUS JUNIOR had to reportedly cancel a huge party and has been left “devastated” after missing out on the Ballon d’Or.The Real Madrid star, 24, was convinced he was going to be crowned the best player on the planet at the glamorous ceremony in Paris on Monday.Rodri pipped Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or gloryCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the event in support of ViniCredit: ReutersBut just hours before the show got underway, it was leaked that Manchester City’s Rodri was the winner instead.Real Madrid were left furious and boycotted, with his team-mates and club chiefs all missing from the event.Reports from Spanish outlet AS claim Vinicius is heartbroken over the snub.He had to supposedly axe a pre-planned party for around 50 people.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNike have had to scrap the specially designed boots they made to commemorate his success.And they are now forced to adjust plans for him to unveil a new store in the centre of Madrid as the Ballon d’Or winner.Real Madrid TV reportedly had five hours of programming in place to celebrate.Vini even allegedly taunted Barcelona star Gavi in their 4-0 El Clasico defeat on Saturday by telling him: “I’m going to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSReal Madrid claimed Uefa “do not respect” the club in a furious statement.And a defiant Vinicius tweeted: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia has suggested that the Brazilian missed out as his team-mates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who came third and fourth respectively, took votes off him.But many of his pals have came out to slam what they see as an injustice.Among those is Brazil and Tottenham star Richarlison, who ranted: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. “Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. “And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. “But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today.“You are a giant and the best in the world, kid. And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up. We’re together.”Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

RICHARLISON has slammed “embarrassing” Ballon d’Or chiefs for snubbing Vinicius Jr, claiming the “only person who lost is football.”Real Madrid’s Brazilian superstar was widely tipped to be crowned the planet’s best footballer at last night’s glitzy event in Paris.Richarlison has slammed Ballon d’Or chiefs following Vinicius Jr’s snubCredit: GettyReal Madrid boycotted last night’s event after Vinicius finished secondCredit: AlamyBut hours before the ceremony kicked off, it emerged that Vinicius had actually finished second in the rankings.The Ballon d’Or instead went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.And a furious Florentino Perez made sure Real boycotted last night’s bash in protest.The clash has continued to rumble on, with Vinicius issuing a defiant message on social media.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVarious teammates at both club and international level have come out in support of the stricken winger.And Brazil pal Richarlison has become the latest to back Vini as the rightful winner of the Ballon d’Or.But the forward’s comments risk infuriating Man City — who play his club Tottenham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.Richarlison said: “All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS“Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long.“Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. Hollywood icon trolls Real Madrid with subtle gesture as she poses with Barcelona stars at Ballon d’Or ceremony Man City star Rodri took home the top prizeCredit: EPA“And don’t get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. “But Vini not winning the Ballon d’Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.“I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! “You are a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up! We’re together.”Earlier today, Ballon d’Or chief Vincent Garcia attempted to explain why Vinicius did not land football’s top individual gong.He said: “Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.”This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players, and the judges shared their decisions with them, which benefited Rodri.”Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More

FORMER Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has revealed which Premier League team he supports.Weah, 58, was present at last night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony having won the award himself in 1995.George Weah has revealed the Premier League club he grew up supportingCredit: GettyWeah won the Ballon d’Or in 1995Credit: GettyThe retired striker had a glittering career that saw him win the league at both AC Milan and PSG.While he also ventured into the Premier League with spells at both Chelsea and Manchester City during the twilight of his playing days.But despite representing two Prem sides, and even winning the FA Cup with Chelsea, Weah supports a completely different side in England’s top flight.The 75-time Liberia international revealed that he’s actually a Tottenham Hotspur fan.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLWeah told the crowd at the Ballon d’Or ceremony that he grew up supporting Spurs, and explained that Harry Kane is one of his favourite players these days thanks to his time in north London.He said: “That’s [Harry Kane] one of the players that I love. I’m a fan of Mr. Kane.”Well, he played for my team. I’m a very big fan, because I believe that he’s a very strong and very clever striker.”And I support Tottenham, since I was a kid. And I love him.”Most read in FootballWeah pointed out Harry Kane as one of his favourite Ballon d’Or nominees, explaining that he grew up as a Spurs fanCredit: DAZNHarry Kane smiled on as he heard Weah’s gushing assessment of himCredit: DAZNWeah admitted to his Spurs upbringing despite formerly representing rivals ChelseaCredit: GettyFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSWeah’s career never saw him make his way to Tottenham and represent his boyhood club, but it certainly was one that plenty of other players would be envious of.Although his life after nine domestic trophies might be even more impressive than his football career.I’m a Ballon d’Or winner who spent nine forgettable months in the Premier League – now I’m my country’s presidentUnbelievably, Weah went on to serve as the president of his home country of Liberia.The retired pro was the 25th president of the African nation and served in office from January 2018 until January of this year.Weah is also the father of Juventus and USA national team winger Timothy Weah.While he is also the uncle of New York Red Bulls full-back Kyle Duncan.Weah previously served as the president of LiberiaCredit: AFPHe is also the father of Juventus star Timothy WeahCredit: GettyWho are these famous footballers? More

EMI MARTINEZ and his wife were mercilessly BOOED as they arrived at the Ballon d’Or.But the Argentine, 32, had the last laugh as he was handed the Yashin Trophy again.Emiliano Martinez was booed on his way into the Ballon d’Or ceremonyCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe goalkeeper arrived with his wife in ParisCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe Argentine looked pretty sullen and serious during the walkCredit: Reddit/ 7BET_UKThe pantomime villain is hated by French fans following his antics in the 2022 World Cup final. Not only did he put in a superb performance and play his genius mind games in the penalty shootout, Martinez riled up the France supporters even more with his provocative celebration with the Golden Glove trophy.Martinez was crowned Yachin Trophy winner in 2023 following his World Cup exploits.And on his return to Paris on Monday night, he was given another hostile reception. READ MORE ON BALLON D’ORThe Aston Villa stopper, decked out in a black tuxedo, headed down the red carpet holding hands with his glamorous partner Mandinha, who opted for a flowing red number.However, the boos were clear to hear – and neither of them particularly seemed to see the funny side. Martinez did give a brief thumbs-up – but whether that was genuine or a sarcastic response to someone out of shot was uncertain. The couple then posed for photos before heading into the Theatre du Chatelet for the prestigious awards ceremony. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd once inside, Martinez was confirmed as the world’s best goalkeeper for the second year running after helping Villa into the Champions League and winning the Copa America with Argentina.He pipped the likes of Spain No1 Unai Simon, Real Madrid stopper Andriy Lunin and Gianluigi Donnarumma to become the first goalkeeper to defend the crown.Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentWho are these famous footballers?In the overall Ballon d’Or award, Martinez finished 18th in the vote – ahead of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Antonio Rudiger, Cole Palmer and others.However, it was Rodri who collected the top men’s award after his exploits with Manchester City and helping Spain win Euro 2024. Rodri beat Real Madrid trio Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal plus Erling Haaland and home-favourite Kylian Mbappe in the vote.His compatriot Lamine Yamal came eighth but secured the Kopa Trophy for the best young player aged 21 or under.The 17-year-old starred for Spain at the Euros and became the third Spaniard in four years to collect the gong – following Pedri, Gavi and then Bellingham. In the Ballon d’Or Feminin for women’s football, it was more success for Spain as Aitana Bonmati collected her second trophy on the bounce. Emiliano and Mandinha posed for pictures on the red carpetCredit: GettyHe received the Yashin Trophy and was presented it by Argentine team-mate Lautaro MartinezCredit: AFPMartinez angered French fans with this celebration after the 2022 World Cup finalCredit: GettyBallon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine More