Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior has broken his silence after he missed out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.
Vinicius looked set to claim the top prize after a leaked list suggested that the Brazilian was poised to finish above Rodri.
However, it soon emerged that the Manchester City midfielder was set to clinch the Ballon d'Or, leaving Vinicius to settle for second place.
As a result, Real Madrid opted against sending a delegation to the ceremony in Paris, claiming they were not willing to go where they were "not respected".
© Imago
Vinicius breaks silence after Ballon d'Or disappointment
Rodri was confirmed as the 2024 winner on Monday evening, with the midfielder recognised for his role in Man City's Premier League triumph and Spain's European Championship success.
After the ceremony, Vinicius took to social media to make his first public comment after missing out on the coveted prize.
In a short post on X, the Brazil international made a vow to win the award in the future, insisting that he will work 10 times harder if he has to.
Vinicius wrote: "I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready."
Eu farei 10x se for preciso. Eles não estão preparados.
— Vini Jr. (@vinijr) October 28, 2024
Vinicius's teammates react to Ballon d'Or snub
Some of Vinicius's Real Madrid teammates have come out in support of the Brazilian, including midfielder Eduardo Camavinga.
Camavinga wrote on X: My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro
Meanwhile, Aurelien Tchouameni posted on X: Nothing will take away what you've achieved my brother. We ALL know...They are not ready for what you're gonna deliver."
Real Madrid and Vinicius ultimately feel aggrieved that the forward missed out on the award after he played a key role in the club's treble-winning campaign last term.
Los Blancos will ultimately have to put the disappointment behind them when they travel to Mestalla for Saturday's La Liga meeting with Valencia.
Carlo Ancelotti's side will be looking for a positive response after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat in the recent El Clasico against Barcelona.
