Vinicius claims fighting racism cost him award

Brazil and Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr said on Monday that he will keep on fighting racism, even if his activism is what led to him not winning the Ballon d'Or, sources close to the player told Reuters.

Vinicius took to social media after finishing second in the prestigious award voting behind Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

"I will do it 10 times if I have to. They're not ready," Vinicius posted on X after his La Liga side Real Madrid canceled its plans to attend the ceremony in Paris, boycotting it in response to a perceived snub of the Brazilian star.

Asked what Vinicius meant with his post, his management staff told reporters that he was referring to his fight against racism, and that they believe that was what led to him not winning the award, saying: "The football world is not ready to accept a player who fights against the system."

The 24-year-old Brazil international has been subjected to racial abuse on several occasions during his time in Spain, leading to at least two convictions for racism in groundbreaking rulings in the country.

Real also won the men's club of the year award, and its manager Carlo Ancelotti was named men's coach of the year, after winning the European and Spanish league double in a near perfect campaign last season.

France Football, which organizes the Ballon d'Or awards, was not immediately available for comment.

The awards are based on voting by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA-ranked countries.

"FOOTBALL POLITICS. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro," Real's Eduardo Camavinga posted on X, while several other teammates shared messages with photos of Vinicius saying "You are the best".

"I waited all year for Vini Jr to be deservedly recognized as the best player in the world, and now they come to tell me that the Ballon d'Or is not for him?" Brazilian women's great Marta said in a video on Instagram.

Along with Jude Bellingham, who came third in the award voting, Vinicius was instrumental in Real's Champions League-La Liga double.

REUTERS