The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris ended with Manchester City’s defensive midfielder Rodri taking home the prestigious prize, leaving Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior (Vini Jr) as the runner-up.

Many football fans, players, and analysts had pegged Vini as the favourite, especially after his extraordinary contributions to Madrid's La Liga and Champions League double last season.

Rodri’s triumph over Vini Jr has sparked outrage and raised questions about the award’s criteria. Here’s a look at why many feel that Vini Jr was “robbed” of the award he deserved.

🔥Vini Jr’s Exceptional Season🔥:

Vinícius Júnior’s 2023-24 season was nothing short of extraordinary. He was instrumental in Real Madrid’s remarkable campaign, scoring 24 goals and delivering 11 assists across all competitions, leading the team to a La Liga title and a Champions League victory.

Being the star player for a team that managed to secure both a domestic league and a European trophy is no small feat. His ability to influence big games, particularly in high-pressure moments, set him apart.

In contrast, Rodri had a strong season, anchoring Manchester City’s midfield and playing a pivotal role in their Premier League success and that is just about it. While Spain won the Euro 2024, Rodri’s contributions to that triumph cannot be highlighted as key.

The Spaniard played four games before the final and aside from accumulating yellow cards, which rendered him suspended for Spain’s final Group B game against Albania, he scored one goal in a game Spain won 4-1.

Then in the biggest and most important game of the tournament, the final against England, Rodri could only manage to play just 45 minutes due to injury.

This summed up a rather average showing for the Man City midfielder, who was somehow inexplicably adjudged the best player of the tournament ahead of more deserving candidates like teammates, Fabian Ruiz, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams.

While his contributions to City’s Premier League winning season were crucial, his role was more supportive than game-changing and that was made clear in the Premier League Team of the Season Squad released by the Premier League at the end of the 2023/2024 season, where Rodri missed out.

🗣️Outrage from Players, Coaches & Football Fraternity🗣️:

The decision to crown Rodri over Vini has sparked intense backlash on social media. Football fans expressed their outrage on Social Media platform, X, with one X user posting, “Rodri winning this Ballon d’Or is the biggest robbery in football history. Vini has been completely ROBBED.”

Another X user echoed the sentiment, saying, “Vinicius is the real winner and the entire world knows that!” Even players weighed in, with AC Milan’s Rafael Leao subtly sharing his disappointment over the decision by posting an emoji covering its eyes alongside a Vini image.

Retired French Footballer, Frank Ribery posted the words “Ballon d’Or”, along with laughing emojis on his Instagram account. He wasn’t the only one. Players like Sceedorf, Gullit, Benzema, Serge Aurier, and even coaches like Gasperinni of Atlanta.

Many in the football community see this result as an injustice, claiming that Vini Jr’s electrifying impact on the field was overlooked in favor of Rodri’s more subdued but steady contributions.

🤷‍♂️The Jorginho & Luka Modric Cases: A Shift in Ballon d’Or Criteria?🤷‍♂️

In 2020, Chelsea and Italy defensive midfielder, Jorginho, had a stellar club season that was crowned with lifting the UEFA Champions League when his Chelsea side beat Man City in the final. Then he went on to lift the UEFA Euros with Italy that same season, and unlike Rodri he played all the games.

Jorginho was named the UEFA Best Player of the Season unlike Rodri, who missed out on that accolade and for good reason. He was neither the best player in the UEFA Champions League nor the UEFA Euros, although he won that last one shockingly.

Now was it a surprise that Jorginho did not go on to lift the Ballon d’Or that year? No, it wasn’t, because while Jroginho’s Chelsea lifted the UCL and his Italy lifted the Euros, he wasn’t the Best Player for either Chelsea or Italy.

Aside from that, his Chelsea had a bad league season and he wasn’t particularly a standout for them in the league, so the world understood when Bayern’s Lewandoski at the time, lifted the FIFA Best Player for his Golden Boot winning 43 goals in that season, which broke Gerd Muller’s 39-year long record for the most goals in a season by a Bundesliga player.

So the question is if Jorginho was not named the Ballon d’Or winner or FIFA Best Player that year for all his exploits in UEFA Competitions and not just one (the Euros), why was Rodri?

Some believe Luka Modric’s Ballon d’Or win in 2018 should justify Rodri’s but it could never because, unlike Rodri, Luka won the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player) after leading his Croatia to the final of the FIFA World Cup in a season he won the UEFA Player of the Season after lifting the Champions League with Real Madrid.

So really the question is did Vini Jr lose the Ballon d’Or because he scored only two goals in two games for Brazil in the Copa America, or because got into altercations with opponent players who provoked him like a human being?

🔗You can check out & follow Vini Jr’s Real Madrid & Rodri’s Man City games here on MSport.

Manchester City vs Arsenal (England) – The New Rivalry 2024:

The rivalry between Manchester City and Arsenal has recently escalated into one of the fiercest contests in the Premier League. With City under Pep Guardiola's stewardship becoming the dominant force in English football, Arsenal, led by Mikel Arteta, have emerged as serious challengers, battling for the title.

Last season, City pipped Arsenal in the title race, sparking anticipation for future encounters. The tactical brilliance of both managers ensures that this clash is more than just a game— as was shown in last week’s 2-2 draw at the Etihad in what was a battle of minds and ideologies.

City’s deep squad and proven winners contrasted with Arsenal’s youthful exuberance, making their encounters gripping. The outcome often shapes the title race, creating a new layer of animosity between fans and players alike, making this rivalry one to watch in the coming seasons.

Manchester City vs Liverpool (England) - Klopp vs Guardiola Era 2022:

The rivalry between Manchester City and Liverpool during the Klopp-Guardiola era is one of modern football’s finest. As Liverpool sought to break City’s dominance, both clubs battled for supremacy in the Premier League and Europe.

Guardiola's City often boasted a superior squad, while Klopp's heavy-metal football made Liverpool the perfect foil, especially during their successful 2019-20 title campaign.

This rivalry is a tactical masterclass, with high stakes every time they meet. Klopp and Guardiola’s personal and professional respect had added a layer of intrigue, with each contest potentially deciding who reigned supreme in English football.

Manchester City vs Manchester United (England) - The Manchester Derby 2021:

The Manchester Derby remains a high-octane affair, with both Manchester United and Manchester City battling for local pride. Historically, United dominated, but City’s rise under Guardiola has flipped the script.

United, under Erik ten Hag, are eager to restore their place at the top, making these clashes about more than just bragging rights—it’s about re-establishing dominance in Manchester and beyond.

With City now seen as the superior side in terms of recent achievements, United’s fans demand a response. These intense battles fuel the long-standing rivalry between the clubs and their supporters with the two Manchester clubs, United led by Ole, placing 1st and 2nd in the league in 2021.

Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund (Germany) - Der Klassiker 2023:

Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund’s "Der Klassiker" is the defining rivalry in German football. As Dortmund surged under Jurgen Klopp, they became Bayern’s closest competitors for domestic glory.

Bayern, however, consistently managed to outmuscle their rivals, regularly beating them on the field and off the field when they snatched their players and bullied them financially.

This rivalry embodies contrasting football philosophies: Bayern’s clinical, possession-based style against Dortmund’s high-intensity, attacking play. Every meeting between these two clubs often decides the fate of the Bundesliga, fuelling a bitter but respectful rivalry.

AC Milan vs Inter Milan (Italy) - The Milan Derby 2024:

The Milan Derby, or Derby della Madonnina, has long been one of Italy’s premier rivalries, with AC Milan and Inter Milan fighting for city supremacy. Both teams have experienced a resurgence in recent years, reclaiming their status as Serie A powerhouses.

The rivalry is steeped in history, but recent clashes have had title implications, intensifying the competition.

Their shared San Siro stadium adds another layer of drama, with fans of both sides turning every encounter into a spectacle. Whether it's Inter’s defensive solidity or Milan’s attacking flair, each derby captivates global audiences.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona (Spain) - El Clásico 2024:

El Clásico, the battle between Real Madrid and Barcelona, is the pinnacle of football rivalries. This fixture, featuring the world’s most celebrated players, has long shaped Spanish football’s title race.

The deep-rooted political and cultural differences between Madrid, representing the wider Spanish population, and Barcelona, embodying Catalan identity, fuel the intensity of every match.

Whether during the Messi-Ronaldo era or the current generation, El Clásico transcends football, captivating audiences worldwide as Real and Barca fight for both domestic and European dominance.

Celtic vs Rangers (Scotland) - The Old Firm Derby 2024:

The Old Firm Derby between Celtic and Rangers is more than a football match—it’s a clash of cultures, religion, and identity in Scotland. As the dominant forces in Scottish football, their rivalry has transcended the sport, spilling into broader societal tensions.

Celtic’s Catholic heritage and Rangers’ Protestant roots mean that these encounters are always heated and volatile.

While Rangers’ recent resurgence has reignited the battle for Scottish supremacy, Celtic’s continued success ensures that every Old Firm Derby is more than just a game—it's a battle for the heart of Scottish football.

Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen (Germany) 2024:

While not as traditional as Bayern's rivalry with Dortmund, Bayern Munich vs Bayer Leverkusen has become an important fixture in recent seasons, with Leverkusen shocking the entire world in 2024 by lifting the German Bundesliga title and going unbeaten while doing it.

Leverkusen’s attacking style, led by young talent, has made them one of the few teams capable of troubling Bayern’s dominance in the Bundesliga.

Though Bayern continues to dominate the league, Leverkusen’s rise ensures this matchup remains a pivotal moment in the Bundesliga season, with potential title implications on the line.

You can check out today's games on MSport here.

The struggles of two of England's biggest clubs, Chelsea and Manchester United, have dominated headlines in recent seasons, strangely even during the off-season.

Both clubs find themselves entangled in their own issues, from ownership decisions to problematic recruitment to managers. Here’s a closer look at the current crises at Stamford Bridge and Old Trafford.

Coincidentally both Chelsea and Manchester United have had their ownership structure reshaped recently, albeit some two years apart.

 Poor Transfer Decisions by New Owners:

The Blues first announced their new owners in May 2022 as American Consortium, Clearlake Capital now known as BlueCo, led by American businessman Todd Boehly, took over the club while Manchester United got a new minority owner in British businessman Jim Ratcliffe who purchased 25% stake in the club this year.

The one thing both clubs have had in common about their new owners is that both have spent lavishly on transfers since taking over but either with little apparent strategy or with a “manager’s Dutch-blindness”.

The Blues, seemingly the worst of the two teams in this category, have had a more than chaotic approach to their transfer business which has seen them end up with an inflated squad and questions over their long-term vision.

The signing of players on unusually long contracts — often spanning six to nine years — has raised eyebrows and intensified scrutiny, with questions over the motives behind such unusually lengthy contracts and their relation or lack thereof to “cheating the FFP rules and Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations (PSR)”.

The fact that just this summer at a point, Chelsea had about 46 players on their books going into the new season, a number now standing at 29 currently, which is still one of the highest in the world, spells out the extent of the problem Chelsea had with signings.

In contrast, Manchester United's owners have just let the manager, Eric Ten Hag, a Dutch and former manager of Dutch club, Ajax, sign either Dutch players or players he formerly coached in the Dutch league at Ajax, seemingly with little regard to whether said players were a good fit and solutions for Manchester United and it’s playing problems or not.

Anthony, Lisandro Martinez, Malacia, de Ligt, Mazraoui, Onana and Josua Zirkzee, were all either Dutch players or at one point in their lives played not only in the Dutch Eredivisie but were managed by Manchester United’s boss Erik Ten Hag.

Transfer Market Craziness:

Chelsea’s recruitment has been frantic and unfocused. With 29 first-team players, including four (4) goalkeepers, Chelsea's squad management seems out of control, especially considering that since BlueCo’s £4.25bn takeover of the club in May 2022, they have spent £1bn-plus on transfers.

The club’s tendency to offload home-grown talents like Conor Gallagher and Trevoh Chalobah to make room for new ‘shiny and opportunistic’ signings reflects poor planning.

Just this season alone, players like Joao Felix signed for 52 million euros, Jadon Sancho signed on loan, Pedro Neto (60 million euros) signed permanently from Wolves, Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester for 35.40 million euros, Filip Jorgenson from Villarreal for 24.50 million euros and many others that totalled a little over have added to the overcrowded dressing room with no clear role.

Meanwhile, Manchester United have spent more than £400 million under Erik ten Hag, but their recruitment has been equally problematic. The Dutch manager’s preference for players he knows, such as Antony and Lisandro Martínez, has not consistently paid off.

Antony’s £82 million transfer fee looks increasingly unjustified given his performances, and new signings like Mason Mount have struggled to make an impact.

Dysfunction Squads:

Chelsea’s bloated squad poses a significant issue. Manager Enzo Maresca has to juggle an excessive number of players, many of whom were signed recently on long-term deals with little consideration for squad balance.

With young talents like Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, and Cole Palmer vying for spots alongside veteran recruits, finding a cohesive unit has been a daunting task.

This is reflected in Ben Chilwell, one of the veterans, now left with no choice but to look for an exit in January, because he is surplus to manager Enzo’s requirements just like Sterling, Chalobah, Broja, and Gallagher.

At United, Ten Hag faces different squad issues. Injuries have disrupted team cohesion, but the bigger problem lies in the underperformance of key players. Marcus Rashford has struggled to replicate his form from seasons ago, and veterans like Casemiro and Shaw have been inconsistent.

Questions about Ten Hag’s tactical decisions and player management are also growing louder, with some doubting his high-intensity training methods and the severity of his handling of Jadon Sancho and Cristiano Ronaldo's disciplinary issues.

Managerial Woes:

Both clubs are struggling with managerial challenges. Pochettino, now sacked, was under pressure to mould Chelsea’s talent-heavy squad into a functioning team, but the chaos of the club’s recruitment made his job significantly harder.

Now Enzo Maresca has that responsibility after replacing the Argentine in the Chelsea dugout and already there are questions of whether the Italian can succeed at this with his handling of players like Sterling, Chalobah, Gallagher an Ben Chilwell.

Ten Hag’s issues at United stem from his inability to establish a clear playing style. After a successful first season, the Dutchman has come under fire for erratic tactical choices, such as dropping key players in crucial matches or making just the wrong substitutions.

His inability to get the best out of his signings, coupled with inconsistent performances, has intensified scrutiny over his position.

Who Has the Bigger Problem?

Both Chelsea and Manchester United face severe challenges, but Chelsea’s issues feel more self-inflicted. The Blues’ reckless spending, unorthodox contracts, and bloated squad reflect a chaotic and ‘suicidal’ approach from the top.

United’s problems, while serious, are more familiar — managers’ unchecked powers granted to him by owners, injuries, managers' tactical ineptness, and underperforming players.

Chelsea’s lack of direction from ownership down and dance with transfer and expenditure regulations appears to have the potential to put them in a deeper crisis, making their situation arguably the more complex of the two.

 

You can follow and bet on Chelsea and Manchester United’s games on MSport here.