The difference in reactions in Brazil and here in Europe, almost opposite, about the award for best in the world from France Football magazine going to Rodri, and not to Vinicius Junior, was impressive.
Rodri’s talent is undeniable and this was unanimous on both sides. But, here, I saw a cold perception about the result. In general, the European sports press thinks that Rodri or Vini could win, that the Brazilian was the favorite, but that, as the Spaniard is an excellent player and has won the European Cup, Premier League and Club World Cup, he deserved it and that’s it.
I do not entirely agree with this approach, as it left the discussion here shallow. But it’s not surprising. I think it is pertinent to consider that the decision may have been affected by the fact that Vinicius upset the system by speaking out against the crime of racism he suffers.
Regarding the argument that a midfielder was finally chosen: if in the overwhelming majority of cases the Ballon d’Or goes to a striker, I think it’s worth asking why now a midfielder?
Another point on which I disagree with the European reaction was that they considered it extremely bad sportsmanship for Real Madrid to have boycotted the awards. Now, Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t show up several times when he found out that Messi would take him and he wasn’t massacred for it. Even though it was clear that it was the club’s decision, I read a tweet from a renowned Spanish journalist saying that Vini should have “shown respect to the winner”.
And there is still the political part to consider, as Real Madrid and Uefa are not at odds over the proposal for a European Super League… But, no, it’s Vinicius’ fault. Typical.
Looking at reactions in Brazil, I don’t think it’s mature to just talk bad about France Football and say that it’s no good. It’s like when someone ends a relationship with us and, in an attempt to convince ourselves that it was better that way, we say: “Ah, but I really didn’t deserve it”, “I wasn’t even that pretty”, “I wasn’t cool”. It is easier to disqualify something that is very important in order to lose it.
It’s normal to be frustrated or upset, especially when almost everyone considered you the favorite. All of us, in our professional careers, are driven by recognition. It could be a salary increase, when they choose you for an important project, a compliment from the boss. For athletes, they are victories, records, titles, individual and team awards, an honor like the Ballon d’Or.
However, among the voting criteria are individual and collective achievements. What’s worth more, what Vini or Rodri did and won this season? This is open to interpretation. Another criteria includes having “class and fairplay”. Argentine Emiliano Martinez, voted best goalkeeper for the second year in a row, puts trophies on top of his own penis and has already hit a camera reporter, out of nowhere, after a match.
Therefore, would we be giving exaggerated importance to these awards? Probably yes.
This doesn’t take away the frustration and reflection: if Vini didn’t win now, what else does he need to achieve? If he had “pleased” the world of football would it have been different? Regarding the result, he expressed himself with a short tweet: “I will do 10x if necessary. They are not prepared.” Maybe they really aren’t.
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