When the prestigious Ballon d’Or is decided this evening at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, one prominent name is unlikely to play much of a role.
Of course, we’re talking about Vinícius Júnior, last year’s runner-up. According to many opinions, especially his own, the Brazilian should have even won the golden prize.
“If they want, I’ll do ten times more,” Vinicius wrote on ‘X’ when it became known that he had lost out to Rodri. “They are not ready for it.”
Bro wasn’t lying. pic.twitter.com/i1rzmO73uA
— Football Memes (@Footballl_Memes) September 21, 2025
A 50-member Real Madrid delegation even boycotted the entire gala and declined to officially congratulate European champion Rodri, who is, after all, a Spaniard. Instead, the club issued the following statement: “It is clear that Real Madrid is not respected at the Ballon d’Or. And Real Madrid will not go anywhere it is not respected.”
Real future more uncertain than ever
What has happened since this unsportsmanlike reaction could certainly be described as karma: Vinicius played a decent, but by no means Ballon d’Or-worthy season, and Real did not win a single major title during that time.
In addition to his now almost notorious unsportsmanlike behavior, the superstar mainly made headlines during this period with a contract saga. According to ‘AS’, negotiations to extend his contract, which runs until 2027, have stalled significantly. This is due in no small part to the 25-year-old’s salary demands, which are considered far too high.
Currently, talks have been put on hold and there is a real danger that the partnership between Vinícius and Los Blancos will not last long-term.
📸 Florencia Tan Jun – 2025 Getty Images
Things are only going moderately well on the pitch as well: For the first time since his big breakthrough, the left winger is no longer an undisputed starter! Both in the Champions League against Olympique Marseille and in the away match against Real Oviedo, he had to settle for a substitute role.
And when Vinícius was allowed to start again last weekend against Espanyol Barcelona, he still managed to cause quite a stir: After being substituted in the 77th minute, he threw a water bottle and reacted so angrily that Xabi Alonso had to take him aside for a talk.
Just before that, the new Real coach had admitted that the current time was not right for contract negotiations. Not easy times for the enfant terrible.
From hero to zero in one year
The contrast to last year could hardly be greater: While Vinícius narrowly missed being voted the best footballer in the world twelve months ago, in September 2025 he is not even an undisputed starter at his club.
He is still on the list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or. And yet it is absolutely clear that the Real star will have nothing to do with winning the trophy this year. That’s how quickly things can change in sports.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.
📸 Florencia Tan Jun – 2025 Getty Images
