The recent decision to award Rodri over Vinicius Jr. has reignited discussions about the criteria and transparency of the Ballon d’Or process. Still feeling salty, former Bayern legend and 2013 Ballon d’Or third-place finish shared his feelings about the 2024 verdict.
Franck Ribery was a standout performer in 2013, playing a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s treble victory. The winger recorded 23 goals and 26 assists that season, gathering five trophies: Champions League, Bundesliga, German Cup, Uefa Supper Cup, and Fifa World Club.
Despite the Frenchman’s exceptional performance, he was overlooked for the Ballon d’Or award, which Cristiano Ronaldo received. Since then, Ribery has been vocal about his dissatisfaction, expressing concerns over perceived biases that may influence the award’s outcome.
“It was unfair,” Ribery told La Gazzetta dello Sport in 2022. “It was an incredible season for me, and I should have won it. They extended the time for votes, and something strange happened. I felt that it was a political choice.”
Ribery’s sarcastic response to the 2024 winner is a show of support for Vinicius Jr., who also thought he deserved this year’s award. Vini was vital in helping Los Blancos win the Champions League and La Liga titles. It was Rodri, however, who led City to a Premier League title and Champions Spain in the summer Euros.
Do you think Vini Junior was robbed of the Ballon d’Or like Franck Ribery?
