A friend of Vinicius Junior appears to have confirmed reports that the Real Madrid star has not won the Ballon d'Or as he criticised the news.
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Vinicius and Madrid boycotting Ballon d'OrBrazil star reportedly misses out on trophyHis friend posted message on social mediaFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
The final Ballon d'Or rankings have reportedly been leaked, with Manchester City star Rodri believed to be the winner before the results are announced at a ceremony in Paris on Monday evening. The news has sparked an angry reaction from Real Madrid, with the whole club boycotting the ceremony in response to Vinicius missing out on the prize.
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Despite a Ballon d'Or executive insisting that he is only one of two people who know the final results, many expect Rodri's name to be read out, and Vinicius' friend and musical act MC Maneirinho has taken to social media to speak out in support of his fellow Brazilian.
WHAT WAS SAID
"I love you, brother, the best in the world. You do much more than just play soccer. People who come from where we came from don't have to do twice as much, but 10 times as much every day," he wrote on Instagram. "But the fact that this award isn't going to you just shows the mentality of those who are afraid of our presence. I was there for your professional debut and I was sure that this day would come.
"Once again, we came up against the evil of the sugar mill owners who took what is ours. But nothing can erase what you did. I'm proud, brother, proud from the bridge to here. Your family, your friends here and the whole world have already elected you the BEST IN THE WORLD. You don't need status and I know that won't shake you. You are the greatest example of overcoming that I have the honor of calling a friend. I love you, my friend. The best in the world."
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Even if it turns out that the 24-year-old has not won this year's award for the world's best player over the last season, he will likely be in contention to claim the trophy in the future amid his starring role for European and Spanish champions Real Madrid and the Brazil national team.
