Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. does not deserve to win the Ballon d’Or because of his continued “ugly … [+] behaviour” according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. doesn’t deserve to win the Ballon d’Or awarded to the world’s best men’s football player because of his continued “ugly behaviour” according to Catalan newspaper Mundo Deportivo.
Amid his head coach admitting that the Brazilian “isn’t at his best” before the weekend, ‘Vini’ converted the first of his team’s penalties to seal a 2-0 victory away at Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday night.
The left winger has been widely blasted for cupping his ears to the crowd in Anoeta and then trying to “shush” them by putting the index finger of his right hand to his mouth.
Mundo Deportivo and Oscar Zarate were among the parties far from impressed by the act, noting how the Brazilian, “highly criticised for his last games with the [Brazil national team], arrived ‘stung’ and ordered the Reale Arena crowd to shut up”.
“Vini continues with his ugly behaviour on the pitch, which gives Real Madrid and La Liga a very bad image,” the outlet claimed.
“His decisive sporting performances last season make him the great favorite to win the Ballon d’Or on October 28, but his constant provocations to rival fans and contempt for the referees (he lost his temper again with his protests to Martinez Munuera) make it clear that he isn’t an example for children to follow,” it added.
MD further noted that the forward “doesn’t have the spark or fang of last season either”, as after seven games so far this term for club and country, he has yet to score from open play with his two successful strikes coming via penalties.
Still nobody can deny the quality of the 2023/2024 campaign the 24-year-old put on. It involved him being Los Blancos’ top scorer, while playing an integral part in a treble triumph containing record-extending La Liga and Champions League crowns.
Yet his behaviour continues to be viewed by many as provocative, with Ancelotti dodging a question about whether he approved of the celebration in question during a post-match interview in San Sebastian.
“I don’t have an opinion on this, and I haven’t seen the penalty,” the Italian sternly answered.
