Eduardo Camavinga, a teammate of Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, said that “football politics” prevented him from winning the 2024 men’s Ballon of Or.

After playing a significant part in Los Blancos’ Uefa Champions League and La Liga victories last season, the Brazilian attacker was heavily predicted to win the coveted accolade at Monday night’s awards presentation.

However, after finding out that Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City, was going to receive the Ballon d’Or for being chosen as the greatest male player by 100 journalists, the Spanish team decided to skip the event.

Real Madrid stated they had been treated disrespectfully and would “not go where it is not respected” in a statement given to AFP and Spanish media.

The club’s players have been reacting to Vinicius Junior not winning the award on social, with France international Camavinga posting: “FOOTBALL POLITICS. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.”

“There’s no award that acknowledges how good you are and I’m not just talking about your player quality but off the court as well,” Federico said in a tribute to the 24-year-old that was shared online. Brother, you are loved.

“And so our world goes,” Rodrygo wrote on social media. I adore you, Vinicius Jr., and we continue.

Toni Kroos, a former midfielder for Real Madrid, shared a photo of himself with Vinicius Junior on social media with the message, “The best.”

Rivaldo, the 1999 Ballon d’Or winner for Brazil, expressed surprise that his countryman did not take home the honor.

“I’ve never considered Vini Jr. winning the award because, in my view, he is the best and ought to have won, and I don’t understand the voting criteria.” I hope the FIFA THE BEST Awards go to you. However, I commend Rodri for taking home the honor. I think he’s a fantastic football player, and I admire him for it.