Cubarsi SLAMS Vini Jr over Ballon d’Or amid ‘CHILDISH’ accusations

Robin Bairner

• 1 Nov 2024 04:30 CDT
• 3 min read

Barcelona starlet Pau Cubarsi has criticised the no-show of Real Madrid rival Vinicius Junior at Monday’s Ballon d’Or, with the Brazilian facing accusations of being “childish”.

The belief in Spain was that Vini Jr was going to win the prize, so it came with a sense of astonishment when it was leaked that Manchester City star Rodri had beaten him to the gong.

In response, the Real Madrid star refused to attend the Paris ceremony while his club backed him by also boycotting the event.

Current ETV

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), AM (L)

Real Madrid

Vinícius Júnior

F (CL), AM (L)

Real Madrid

€129.4M

ETV Range

€97.1M - €161.8M

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It was an action that has attracted widespread criticism, which Barcelona star Cubarsi, who helped his side to a 4-0 Clasico win at the Bernabeu last weekend, has now joined.

“Dani Olmo and I went there without winning any awards. We wanted to be there at that moment, which is important for any player. Even if you don't win, being in the top 10 or 20 is a good award,” he explained.

Cubarsi also set a warning to Vini Jr that he might need to get used to coming second because Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal is a potential future winner.

“Lamine Yamal can win the Ballon d’Or. Everyone now sees who Lamine is, but I've known him for a long time. He has the skill set required to achieve it,” he said.

Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid face ongoing criticism

The echoes of criticism for Vini Jr, meanwhile, continue from around the globe.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas was typically outspoken about Real Madrid’s stance towards the award.

“A lack of chivalry that has been lacking for some time. It didn't surprise me. It was a childish attitude, a hotheadedness, call it what you want,” he said.

World Cup winner Mats Hummels was similarly critical on his ‘Alone is Hard’ podcast.

“Using the words "lack of respect" because you didn't win an election has a slightly Trumpian feel to it,” he explained.

“Unfortunately, it's disrespectful to the others. That's the worst thing!”

Vini Jr will hope for better luck when it comes to FIFA’s The Best award, which will be presented in January.