Florentino Perez the REAL Madrid president was unhappy with the way two African countries prevented Vinicius from winning this year’s balloon de’Or
Florentino Pérez, the president of Real Madrid, has been known for his outspoken defense of his players, especially when it comes to unfair treatment or controversies that arise in the world of football. One such instance occurred in 2023, when Pérez expressed his displeasure regarding the way two African countries seemingly hindered Vinícius Júnior’s chances of winning the prestigious Ballon d’Or.
Vinícius Júnior, the Brazilian winger, has risen to prominence as one of the most exciting young talents in global football. Over the past few years, he has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s successes, including their triumph in the 2022 UEFA Champions League and their ongoing dominance in domestic competitions. In the 2022-2023 season, Vinícius was widely regarded as one of the standout performers across Europe. His flair, skill, and goalscoring ability helped elevate Real Madrid, and many believed he had a strong case for winning the Ballon d’Or in 2023.
However, despite his individual brilliance, Vinícius ultimately finished outside the top three in the Ballon d’Or voting, which sparked controversy. Many fans and pundits felt he deserved a higher ranking, particularly given his performances on the field, where he had outshone several other players who finished ahead of him. Among those who expressed disappointment over the result was Florentino Pérez, who was particularly vocal about how Vinícius was overlooked, citing the influence of certain African nations in the voting process.
In the Ballon d’Or voting system, journalists from around the world cast their votes, which are then tallied to determine the final rankings. African journalists and media outlets, given the continent’s strong footballing influence, play a significant role in the process. In 2023, several African nations rallied behind two players in particular: Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Both had stellar seasons, with Mané leading Senegal to a strong showing in international competitions and Hakimi playing a pivotal role in Morocco’s historic World Cup run, which saw them reach the semifinals.
While there is no direct evidence to suggest any coordinated effort to prevent Vinícius from winning, Pérez’s frustration stemmed from the perception that the success of Mané and Hakimi, and the growing trend of African footballing pride, had somehow affected the voting, to the detriment of the Brazilian winger. Pérez, known for his fierce protection of his players, argued that the Brazilian deserved to be recognized for his outstanding performances, particularly his consistency in leading Real Madrid’s charge to another Champions League title.
The sentiment was echoed by various Real Madrid supporters, who felt that Vinícius had been unjustly snubbed due to the political and regional biases that sometimes play a role in the voting. While the Ballon d’Or is meant to be a meritocratic award, with votes based purely on individual performances, the reality is that cultural and regional affiliations can sometimes influence the outcome. The prominence of African football and its growing recognition on the world stage led to many believing that players from the continent were unfairly pushed forward in the voting process, overshadowing other deserving players like Vinícius.
Florentino Pérez, in his role as Real Madrid’s president, has always championed the club’s interests, and his comments were a clear defense of Vinícius, whom he has closely supported, particularly after the racist abuse the player suffered in Spain during the 2022-2023 season. Pérez’s remarks about the Ballon d’Or voting were seen by many as an extension of his defense of the Brazilian winger, as well as an acknowledgment that sometimes external factors can interfere with the recognition of individual talent.
In the end, the 2023 Ballon d’Or results highlighted the complexities of modern football, where regional loyalties and political considerations can play a role in shaping the narrative around the most coveted individual award in the sport. While the controversy surrounding Vinícius Júnior’s omission from the top spots may have left a bitter taste for many, it also sparked an important conversation about the fairness and transparency of the Ballon d’Or voting process. Florentino Pérez’s frustration was not just about Vinícius’s exclusion, but about the broader issue of how football’s most prestigious awards are often shaped by factors beyond the pitch.
