Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr missed out on the Ballon d'Or due to an 'unresolved' dispute.
Vinicius Jnr was beaten to the prestigious award on Monday night by Manchester City midfielder Rodri, as the Brazilian winger finished second in the rankings ahead of Madrid team-mates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.
After finding out that Vinicius Jnr had not won earlier in the day, Real Madrid opted not to send any representatives to the ceremony as they made their disgust clear.
Seedorf, who won the Champions League with Madrid in 1998, was in attendance with his wife Sophia Makramati, and put forward his own theory as to why Vinicius Jnr was overlooked.
'I already voted almost a year ago and I think Vinicius deserved this award,' Seedorf told TNT Sports Brasil.
'It seems that there is something between Real Madrid and UEFA that seems to be unresolved.'
He added: 'The problems between Real Madrid and UEFA should be kept outside of these matters. It's a shame.'
Seedorf did not detail exactly what the dispute may be over, and Madrid did still win the team of the year, while Carlo Ancelotti was declared men's coach of the year following his side's LaLiga and Champions League triumphs.
Yet Seedorf was far from the only high-profile figure to disagree with the final Ballon d'Or standings.
Vinicius took to X after the decision was announced to post: 'I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready.'
He was backed by several of his team-mates, including Eduardo Camavinga, who also suggested that it was not a footballing decision.
Camavinga wrote on social media: 'FOOTBALL POLITICS. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.'
Aurelien Tchouameni added: 'Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.'
Meanwhile, Madrid defender Eder Militao stated: 'You are the best and no one can take that away from you. The Best!'
Royalkid1
23
Seedorf is right: Remember they took Real Madrid to court because of the Super League, but Real Madrid won the case... Real Madrid is just too powerful, if they had enough power to kick Real Madrid out of the Champions league, they would have done it long ago... *Real Madrid is the only club more powerful than UEFA*, .and so, occasions like yesterday is the best opportunity to spite Real Madrid, but then God is on our side and we also have the very best and powerful president of all time
MC-Kenney
20
the truth is that, if Vini was declared the winner yesterday, no one will dare say Rodri deserves it more than vini, the only person that will be in contention is Carvajal. the truth is Rodri should be in no 3 , either vini or carvajal should win it, base on individual performance, vini deserve it, but base on trophy, carvajal deserves it, carvajal is a big match changer
j1collins
16
it's just an award. being called the best does not make you the best you can ask messi... it all depends on what you think of yourself. even rodri does not believe and can not convince himself that he is the best player of 2023/2024 football season
yapaeopty
11
all Madrid fans supported Vini just because they love the club, but they forget to know that Rodri's performance is on another level