Ballon d’Or

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    Taking cocaine at Chelsea was the worst decision I made during career – I could have won the Ballon d’Or easily

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    ADRIAN MUTU believes that he could have won the Ballon d’Or, if not for taking cocaine.The former striker, 46, signed for Chelsea from Parma in a £16million deal in 2003.Adrian Mutu signed for Chelsea under Claudio Ranieri in 2003Credit: AFPThe Romanian had a decent first season at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyMutu was a regular in his first season at Stamford Bridge, scoring 10 goals in all competitions under Claudio Ranieri.The Romanian hardly featured under Ranieri’s successor Jose Mourinho, however, with the pair clashing over his fitness.Things then went from bad to worse in October 2004, when Mutu was hit with a seven-month ban after testing positive for cocaine.The forward would never play for the Blues again, subsequently signing for Juventus in the next transfer window.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMutu believes that had he sought help during his Chelsea stint, his career in England could have been very different.Mutu told the Telegraph: “Taking cocaine during my time at Chelsea was the worst decision I could have made in my career. “I was alone and sad, but neither depression nor anything else justified my actions.”I should have asked for help, and I didn’t. However, you learn from everything in life, and the lesson made me a better person – much more mature and self aware. And I’m proud of that.”Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKMutu went on to salvage his career in Italy, particularly at Fiorentina – where he scored 69 goals across a five-year stint.But the 77-cap former Romania star believes he could have been regarded among the very best.Ben Chilwell opens up on being bombed out by Chelsea before Crystal Palace lifelineOn the Ballon d’Or, Mutu added: “I’ve reflected on that many times. I believe that for more than a season, I was amongst the best players in the world, so I could have won it easily.”But bad decisions prevented me from doing so. I try not to beat myself up about it.”Since hanging up his boots in 2016, Mutu has become a manager.The former Chelsea striker has already managed six clubs, as well as Romania’s Under-21s.His most recent spell was with Romanian side Petrolul Ploiesti, although he left after just four months.Mutu has admitted that he would be interested in coaching in England one day.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe controversial star said: “England is the birthplace of the best football. Many of the top coaches today manage Premier League clubs, and foreign managers have made the league more interesting and better.”Without a doubt, it would be a huge step in my career.”Mutu has worked as a manager since hanging up his bootsCredit: Getty More

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      ‘I could have been tidier’ – Jamie Carragher addresses controversial Afcon comments and explains his ‘mistake’

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      JAMIE CARRAGHER has addressed his controversial comments after he claimed the African Cup of Nations was not a “major tournament”.The ex-Liverpool star triggered huge outcry after he suggested Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or claim would not be as strong because he did not play in one of the major international tournaments. Jamie Carragher has addressed the comments he made about AfconCredit: CBS SportsCarragher had suggested Afcon was not a ‘major tournament’ which would hurt Mohamed Salah’s Ballon D’Or chancesCredit: GettyCarragher admitted he could have used ‘tidier’ language when expressing his pointCredit: Not known, clear with picture deskSpeaking after the Reds’ 2-0 win over Manchester City in February, he said: “I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such, or maybe got a great chance of winning.”I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament. Normally, the player who excels in that.”The likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Obi Mikel, Jay Jay Okocha and Ahmed Elmohamady had levelled brutal replies towards the former defender.Ferdinand said it was an “ignorant thought process”, while Obi Mikel told him in no uncertain terms to “f*** off”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, Carragher has now addressed those claims while appearing on CBS Sports.Appearing alongside Micah Richards, who had called Carragher out live on Sky Sports when he made the original comment, Thierry Henry and presenter Kate Abdo (now Scott), he admitted he had used “clumsy” language, but stood by his overall point.He said: “I have got very strong opinions on the game, I love debate, and that will never change.”But what I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim. Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUS”And whether that’s to a player, a club, a country, a continent, a continental tournament, whatever that may be. “What I would say is, where I got it wrong was, I was clumsy describing Afcon as not a major tournament. Jamie Carragher brutally shut down by Daniel Sturridge live on Sky Sports over controversial AFCON take “I was trying to explain the merits of Mo Salah winning the Ballon d’Or, and I feel that not just Afcon, I would say the Asia Games, the Gold Cup, not so much the Copa America.”But there are five major tournaments out there besides the World Cup that are for their continent and are a major tournament.”But some of them don’t resonate with the people who vote for the Ballon d’Or. “That for me was not an opinion, that was a fact in terms of looking who had won the Ballon d’Or in the last 40 or 50 years.What I would never want to be described as, as a pundit, is ignorant or disrespectful so that was never my aim.Jamie Carragher”Yes, I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s. “As I said, I should have been a lot tidier with my language around that, so yes, that’s something I’ll look at. “But as I said, you do look at the Euros, where it’s at right now, and other competitions, and some of them resonate with the Ballon d’Or voters, who sometimes are journalists, national coaches, national captains. “And one of the reasons might be, sometimes we forget, the Ballon d’Or was the European Footballer of the Year. All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal”So maybe there is a bias towards the Euros or European football in the past. “It was definitely not my aim to offend anybody – I know I’ve done that a lot in the past in different guises about different players and teams.”But that was certainly not the case. yes, hopefully that’s now addressed it.”I’ve been banging the drum for Mo Salah to become the first African player to win the Ballon d’Or since George Weah in the mid ’90s.Jamie CarragherAfcon is a tournament played out every two years and is scheduled during European winter time.Only one African nation has ever reached the last four of the World Cup, with Morocco doing so in 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe only African player to win the Ballon d’Or was former AC Milan and Liberia striker George Weah in 1995.Ex-Liverpool and Senegal star Sadio Mane is the only African to be voted into the top three in the 21st century – with Salah finishing fifth that year and in 2019. 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      I was nominated for Ballon d’Or at Real Madrid and played in the World Cup – but MIDDLESBROUGH was best bit of my career

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      FOR most footballers, it doesn’t get much better than playing with the likes of Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Carlos.But former Real Madrid star Geremi preferred passing to Jonathan Greening and Massimo Maccarone.Geremi starred for Middlesbrough during his loan spell.Credit: Getty Images – GettyGeremi fell out of favour at Real Madrid.Credit: AFPThe Cameroonian international won two Champions League titles during his time with the Galacticos.He was even nominated for the Ballon d’Or after his first season in Spain.But, ask Geremi, and he’ll say he preferred his loan spell at MIDDLESBROUGH.The right-back had just played at the 2002 World Cup when the arrival of new Madrid president Florentino Perez left him out of favour at the Bernabeu.Read more on footballThat’s when Middlesbrough made their move.Geremi explained “They (Madrid) said that they wouldn’t sell me but that I could go on loan.“It was one of my biggest decisions because when I went to Middlesbrough, I did something special.”Ahead of the tournament Geremi had impressed the then England assistant Steve McClaren, scoring in a friendly between Cameroon and the Three Lions.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMcClaren was also Boro boss at the time and had spoken to Geremi after the game.Speaking at the launch of Ladbrokes’ ‘Gaffer of all Accas’, Geremi revealed: “He came to me at full time and said, ‘look, I need you for my team.’Man City boss Pep Guardiola responds to late collapse to Real Madrid Geremi played under Jose Mourinho and won back to back Premier Leagues with Chelsea.Credit: Getty“When I arrived, I spoke with McClaren and said, ‘I want to play further forward.’”That was the deal with McClaren, and he decided to put me on the wing.“That was one of the best seasons of my career. I scored a lot of goals, and this kind of feeling is special because when you score people, sing your name.”You won’t believe me, but honestly the most enjoyable club that I played for was Middlesbrough.GeremiGeremi played 34 times for Middlesbrough during his loan spell, scoring seven times and relished being the Boro’s main man in the Premier League.He added: “You won’t believe me, but honestly the most enjoyable club that I played for was Middlesbrough.“That was me, because I was either assisting goals, scoring or I was man of the match. It felt great!”Geremi’s spell at Middlesbrough attracted Chelsea, where he won two Premier League titles in four years under Jose Mourinho. More

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      Man City cheekily welcome Vinicius Jr before fans unveil brutal ‘Stop Crying Your Heart Out’ tifo amid Ballon d’Or drama

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      MANCHESTER CITY cheekily reminded Vinicius Jr of the Ballon d’Or saga with a brutal Oasis-inspired banner – but the Real Madrid man ended up having the last laugh.City star Rodri won the prestigious award given to the world’s best player ahead of him back in October.Man City fans taunted Vinicius Jr with a brutal tifoCity also posted a snap of Vinicius walking past a Rodri muralCredit: @ManCity
      Rodri won the prestigious award in OctoberCredit: EPAReal Madrid boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest at Vinicius’ snubCredit: GettyLos Blancos were left fuming over the snub and decided all members of the club would not attend the glamorous ceremony in protest.Ahead of Real Madrid’s thrilling 3-2 Champions League win over City, the hosts cleverly taunted Vinicius.The Premier League champions posted a snap of their opponents arriving at the Etihad, which included a picture of the Brazilian winger walking into the stadium.Eagle-eyed fans noticed he was cheekily pictured next to a display of Rodri kissing the iconic Ballon d’Or trophy.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSupporters found it hilarious, with one saying: “I saw what you did here.”Another added: “We all see it, right?”The taunting did not stop there as City fans welcomed Vinicius to the pitch ahead of kick-off with a brutal tifo.Those sat next to the away end behind the goal held up a banner of Rodri with the trophy along with the Oasis lyrics: “Stop crying your heart out.”Most read in Champions LeagueBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSCity supporters called it “superb” and “phenomenal” – with Rodri appearing to take a photo of it – but others were worried it was “all the motivation Real needs”.A defiant Vinicius, who was booed by City fans, tweeted at the time of the boycott: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Wayne Rooney rips into Man City after just three seconds of Amazon Prime jobAnd he will be desperate to get one over the injured Rodri as he even reportedly had a Ballon d’Or party planned for 50 people to celebrate.Meanwhile, Nike had to scrap the specially designed boots they made and Real Madrid TV were forced to ditch the five hours of programming they had in place to to commemorate the success.The club were fiercely criticised for not showing up to the ceremony but boss Carlo Ancelotti doubled down ahead of tonight’s game, saying: “I don’t think it was the wrong decision.”We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d’Or. “It doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before.”Pep Guardiola said there was “absolutely not” any resentment at Real over the incident.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Vinicius had the last laugh on the night, setting up Jude Bellingham’s last-gasp winner.Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said afterwards: “I don’t know if Vini saw the banner but looking at the game if he did see it it was a huge source of motivation for him. ” More

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      Mohamed Salah deserves Ballon d’Or – he ranks alongside two Man Utd icons with only Thierry Henry a better Prem import

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      THE meaning of Salah to Muslims is ‘prayer’. And when Mo cuts in from the wing to shoot then his opposition would do well to utter one — because, as often as not, his shot results in a Liverpool goal.He is the Premier League leaders’ most potent forward, this chap with the smart hair styling.Mohamed Salah has scored 15 goals and provided 12 assists in 21 Liverpool appearances so far this seasonCredit: GettyThe winger could be in Ballon d’Or contention next yearCredit: GettyIt wasn’t always so. This season he abandoned his wild hair but, unlike Samson, kept his strength and continues to stun defences with the precision of his shooting.His goals have been a major part of Liverpool’s armoury for seven years now.Wednesday’s match at Newcastle was a perfect example of his deadly left-foot skills.He had set up Curtis Jones for their team’s sole goal in between two Newcastle strikes.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLOtherwise his contribution, by his standards, could have been described as modest.Then he struck twice, each time assisted by substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold, and also hit the bar.The late Newcastle equaliser for 3-3 cut two points from Liverpool’s lead at the top of the table but Salah had given their challengers notice with his 14th league goal this season that he was a major obstacle.Quite something, too, that he overtook Manchester City’s goal king, Erling Haaland.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThierry Henry is arguably the Premier League’s best-ever playerCredit: GettyNot an achievement expected of a little feller on the right wing, either. Egyptian magician, I’ll say.So how does he rank among our greatest football imports?Mo Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool win days after admitting he was ‘more out than in’ Unhesitatingly, I’d place Thierry Henry of France and Arsenal first, but Salah joins Cristiano Ronaldo and Eric Cantona as a contender for second.Why he has never been placed higher than fifth in the Ballon d’Or is a surprise.As an out-and-out winger in England only Man United’s Ryan Giggs rates near him.Since he moved here, joining Chelsea from Basel in 2014, he’s scored 170 Premier League goals with 77 assists.Salah headed to Roma from Stamford Bridge but Liverpool signed him in June 2017 in a £44.4million deal — then a club record.That was a lot at the time but, as his new club suspected, it turned out to be a bargain.At the start of this season, Al-Ittihad of Saudi Arabia were said to have offered £150m for him. By anyone’s standards that’s an enormous amount of money.Cristiano Ronaldo is another Prem greatCredit: PASalah also ranks alongside Eric CantonaCredit: PA:Empics SportJurgen Klopp regarded Salah as essential, of course, and so does his successor, Arne Slot.Who else could provide him with such riches from the right wing in a chase for the club’s first league title since 2019-20?It is a delicious prospect for at least half of the city. With Manchester City struggling to make an impact and Liverpool having a seven-point lead, Salah is Slot’s ace in the pack.The club is cautious about talking contracts for Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk — and no wonder when such importance has to be attached to team togetherness.At 32, Salah must realise that his next move could be his last chance to improve, or at least retain, his alleged £15m-a-year earnings.The father of two girls has made it clear he would prefer to remain at Anfield.A devout Muslim and supporter of women’s rights, he has found a new belonging among the congenial Scousers.He is very much his own man and a man of God. As a thank-you to his maker, after he hugs his team-mates, he lies prone in the sujud position after each of his goals.Not many of us would forgive a robber, as Salah did in Egypt. He gave him money and offered help to find him a job, rather than pressing charges for robbing his family.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat makes him special beyond any of his dozens of awards and trophies.He has deserved every one of them — and the next Ballon d’Or.Salah’s current Liverpool deal expires next summerCredit: Getty More

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      Jorginho tells Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to become England’s fifth-ever Ballon d’Or winner and end 23-year wait

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      BUKAYO SAKA has been told to end England’s long wait for a Ballon d’Or winner.Since the award’s inaugural presentation in 1956, only four Englishmen have got their hands on the legendary golden ball.Bukayo Saka has become one of the Premier League’s most consistent playersCredit: GettyEnglishman Jude Bellingham came close to winning the Ballon d’Or this yearCredit: PAStanley Matthews claimed the very first one 68 years ago, followed by Sir Bobby Charlton in 1966, a Kevin Keegan double in 1978 and 1979 and Michael Owen in 2001.Others have come close over the years with top three finishes – Bobby Moore in 1970, Gary Lineker in 1986, Alan Shearer in 1996, David Beckham in 1999, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in 2005.Arsenal’s Saka, 23, has made the Ballon d’Or top 30 in the last two years, finishing 24th in 2023 and 21st in 2024 – having established himself as a Three Lions regular and Premier League star.And Gunners midfielder Jorginho – who finished third in the 2021 Ballon d’Or with Chelsea – said: “[Saka] is unbelievable… world class. I said to him: ‘I want to see you win the Ballon d’Or’.read more arsenal“I said that because I believe in him. I hope he believes in himself as well.”In third place this year, Jude Bellingham became the first Englishman to nick a Ballon d’Or podium place for 15 years after a stunning debut season at Real Madrid with 23 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, winning La Liga and the Champions League.To make the next step, Saka needs a similar return and trophy haul.But Saka’s consistency is now setting him apart from the rest this season with five goals and 10 assists in the Prem in 12 outings – seeing him top the assist charts of Europe’s top five leagues above the likes of Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJorginho has also been impressed with the variety in left-footed Saka’s game. He added: “Before he was going the left foot, going the left foot. Now he’s going the right foot.“The thing he needs more of now is his hunger to get in the box when he’s on the weak side. I want to see headers from him.How Cucurella trapped Saka AGAIN with simple trick but Chelsea have critical Palmer problemENGLISH BALLON D’OR WINNERSONLY four Englishmen have lifted the famous Ballon d’Or since its inception in 1956:1956 – Stanley Matthews (Blackpool) Age: 411966 – Sir Bobby Charlton (Manchester United) Age: 291978 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 271979 – Kevin Keegan (Hamburg) Age: 282001 – Michael Owen (Liverpool) Age: 22“It’s the little things that he’s missing because sometimes the ball’s on the other side and I can see it coming. I am like: ‘Get in [the box]. And he’s not there. I’m like, no, man.”Jorginho admits he keeps Saka grounded by teasing him in training with a Brazil-based nickname ‘pesudo’ – which translates as ‘big foot’.It is used on the rare occasion Saka fluffs a finish or makes a mistake.Arsenal ratings vs West HamWEST HAM and Arsenal served up one of the finest London derbies in recent memory on Saturday night, with SEVEN goals in the first half alone.The Gunners sailed into a 4-0 lead in the opening 35 minutes before the Hammers reduced the deficit with two quickfire goals, including a sublime Emerson free-kick.Bukayo Saka’s penalty on the stroke of half-time made it 5-2, becoming only the fourth Premier League match in history to see seven goals before the break.A relatively lacklustre second half followed, with Mikel Arteta ringing the changes, particularly with Wednesday night’s showdown with Man Utd at the Emirates in the back of his mind.The result pulled the Gunners up to second in the Premier League table, six points behind Liverpool ahead of Sunday’s huge showdown between the leaders and a struggling Man City.Read how SunSport’s Charlie Pittock rated the Gunners stars.Jorginho – speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast – said: “He’s going mad, but it’s a joke because he’s completely the opposite, isn’t he?“He’s just an unbelievable player who is becoming like a machine for us and I hope he becomes like for England as well, you know, because his talent and his hunger and his quality is just so high.“And on top of that, the person he is, he just deserves like the world for him, like everything. I’m there cheering for him, honestly.”***Listen to the full Rio Meets Jorginho interview on Apple Podcasts and Spotify*** More

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      Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid snub after Man City ace beat Vinicius Jr to Ballon d’Or

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      MANCHESTER CITY star Rodri is not bothered by Real Madrid’s claim that their star player Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of him.Real boycotted the prestigious ceremony in France last month after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t be winning the esteemed award, claiming the decision was a sign of “disrespect” to the club.Manchester City star Rodri isn’t bothered about Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or snubCredit: RexReal boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after finding out Vinicius wouldn’t winCredit: RexRodri was ultimately named the best male player of the year- with the Brazil international finishing as runner-up – after winning the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain.Vinicius has not yet congratulated the star midfielder and has instead vowed to put in 10 times the effort to win it himself next year.However, the Spain international insists Real and the forward’s reaction do not offend him.Rodri told Cadena Cope: “All the Spanish clubs would have to congratulate me and they haven’t.Read More on Football“I care about my family and my club. They must have their reasons; I wouldn’t have done it that way and there’s no point in going over it. “The mistake is giving so much attention to a club that hasn’t decided to participate.”Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the season after sustaining a knee injury.The Spaniard suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus damage in his right knee in September during Man City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Etihad.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is confident he will be back this term and teased he could actually play in this summer’s controversial Club World Cup despite criticising it a few months earlier.Rodri said when asked whether he will be back this season: “Yes, yes. Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”Plus, seasons are longer now, the Club World Cup finishes on July 13. I want to have that mental challenge.” More

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      Ballon d’Or judge RESIGNS after admitting he didn’t vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr due to ‘technical error’

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      A BALLON D’OR judge has resigned after admitting he FORGOT to vote for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr.Vinicius, 24, was considered the favourite to win the esteemed award last month in Paris but missed out to Manchester City star Rodri.Ballon d’Or judge Juha Kanerva resigned after admitting he forgot to vote for Real Madrid star Vinicius JrCredit: X/KanervaJPVinicius was considered a favourite to win the Men’s Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d’OrCredit: RexThat led to a furious response from Real who boycotted the event and refused to send any representation in France claiming they were disrespected.According to The Mail, only three out of 99 journalists from different countries – with Syria abstaining – did not include the Brazil international in their top 10 picks for the Men’s Ballon d’Or.One of them was Juha Kanerva, who works for Finnish publication Ilta-Sanomat – the other two were Bruno Porzio of El Salvador and Sheefeni Nikodemus from Namibia, according to France Football.According to Marca, Kanerva picked Rodri as the winner followed by City star Erling Haaland and England international Jude Bellingham.Read More on FootballBut he admitted that he forgot to include Vinicius in his top 10 due to a “technical fault”.And now the journalist has announced that he will be stepping down from his position as a Ballon d’Or selector.Kanerva tweeted: “This was my technical fault, for which I take responsibility. “I am leaving my place as Ballon d’Or selector.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReal released a furious statement before the awards explaining the collective boycott.The reigning Spanish and European champions stated: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to [Dani] Carvajal as the winner.Rodri and Harry Kane lead footy stars and Wags arriving for lavish Ballon d’Or ceremony despite Real Madrid ‘boycott'”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”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

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      Real Madrid impressed nobody by snubbing Ballon d’Or but they’ll feel decision to back Vinicius Jr made perfect sense

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      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