The president of La Liga has criticized Real Madrid for a “lack of elegance” following the club’s boycott of Monday night’s Ballon d’Or awards after Vinicius Junior was overlooked for the prestigious honor.
Initially, the Spanish club planned to send a delegation of 50 to Paris, anticipating Vinicius would be named the best male player in world football.
Right-back Dani Carvajal, who won last season’s Champions League with Madrid and Euro 2024 with Spain, was also expected to be a strong contender for the award.
However, just before their chartered flight was set to depart Spain, reports emerged that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was favored to win over Vinicius and Carvajal.
Madrid president Florentino Perez responded by canceling the trip before the club released a strong statement.
The statement declared: ‘If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.
‘As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.’
Javier Tebas responded during an interview with French newspaper L’Equipe, stating: ‘I’m a Madrid fan. The important values of this club are to be a gentleman and to shake hands when you lose.
‘I think Real Madrid lost that mentality a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned the France Football system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting.
‘Real Madrid’s victimhood doesn’t have to be and it is exaggerated. I don’t know where they’re going. We also experience this lack of elegance in Spain.’
Vinicius finished second in the voting, ahead of his Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, who placed third and fourth, respectively. Manchester City striker Erling Haaland came in fifth.
