Real Madrid president called out for Ballon d’Or boycott attack on journalists

A Namibian journalist criticized by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez for not voting for Vinícius Júnior to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or has responded, calling Pérez’s remarks an expression of frustration.

Real Madrid boycotted last month’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after the award went to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, despite Vinícius being a strong contender following his stellar performances for Madrid. During the club’s AGM, Pérez criticized journalists from Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland, claiming their votes cost Vinícius the award and arguing the Ballon d’Or should be decided by “renowned football figures.”

Photo by Omar Ramadan

Responding to Pérez on Cadena SER, journalist Sheefeni Nikodemus said, “It sounds like frustration. If he thinks people from my country or others mentioned are inferior, I’d ask: if I were from a top football nation and disagreed with him, what would his argument be?”

Rodri narrowly beat Vinícius in the vote, with Real Madrid players Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal finishing third and fourth. Madrid also skipped the ceremony despite Carlo Ancelotti being named Coach of the Year and the club receiving Team of the Year honors.

Pérez argued that Rodri deserved the award last year, not this year, and that Vinícius or other Madrid players should have won. His criticism has reignited debates about the Ballon d’Or’s voting system and the representation of smaller footballing nations.