Vinicius Jr is setting his sights on the 2025 Ballon d’Or after missing out on this year’s award.
The Real Madrid star was hotly tipped to be crowned champion but finished second behind Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Real Madrid did not send any representatives to the ceremony in Paris on Monday night amid rumours that Vinicius Jr would not win.
Instead, they reportedly spent the night in the Spanish capital as Rodri went on to become the first Premier League winner in 16 years.
However, Vinicius Jr only appears motivated by the result as he took to social media with a defiant message shortly after the result was announced.
“Eu farei 10x se for preciso. Eles nao estao preparados,” he said on X, which translates to: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Vinicius Jr certainly had a strong argument to be crowned as a Ballon d’Or winner this year following his excellent 2023/24 campaign.
The Brazilian international scored 24 goals and added a further 11 assists in all competitions for Real Madrid.
He was crucial to their treble winning success which saw Real Madrid win LaLiga, the Champions League and the Supercopa de Espana.
Vinicius Jr was also named in the LaLiga and Champions League Teams of the Season, and was also the latter’s Player of the Season.
However, it wasn’t enough for him to be voted as the winner of the prestigious 68th Ballon d’Or awards.
Rodri has become the third Spaniard to claim victory after Alfredo Di Stefano and Luis Suarez, who was the last such winner in 1960.
His success comes after another Premier League title win with City and Euro 2024 triumph with Spain in the summer.
In fact, Rodri’s eight trophies won since the beginning of 2023 is double the amount of games he has lost for club and country.
The midfielder’s compatriot Aitana Bonmati was also named as the winner of the Ballon d’Or Feminin on the night.
Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes were named as the respective Men’s and Women’s Coaches of the Year.
Madrid were crowned the men’s Club of the Year, with Spanish rivals Barcelona winning the women’s award.
Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy, Emiliano Martinez was the victor of the Yashin Trophy, and Harry Kane shared the Gerd Muller award with Kylian Mbappe.
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