Vinicius not winning Ballon d’Or is injustice: Brazil coach Dorival

Brazil coach Dorival Junior said that it was an injustice that forward Vinicius Junior did not win the Ballon d’Or this year.

Dorival, however, mentioned that he held nothing against Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri for finishing ahead of the Real Madrid forward in the Ballon d’Or race.

“In my opinion, [it’s] an unfair situation, especially because it is an individual award,” the Brazil national team’s coach said at a press conference in Rio de Janeiro yesterday.

“Nothing against whoever won the award, quite the opposite, it is the recognition of one of the great players of Spanish football, but Vinicius, for the work he did, should have received different attention,” he added.

Dorival also mentioned that the “injustice” done to Vinicius was realised by his fans in Brazil and elsewhere.

“But the greatest prize that Vinicius won was the recognition and respect of his people. The vast majority of the Brazilian people realised the injustice that was done to the player who could have deservedly received the award,” Dorival added.

Vinicius got full support from his club Real Madrid as the champions of Europe and Spain pulled a no-show to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris last week after learning that their star man was not going to get on the podium.

Vinicius’ Real Madrid teammates had also voiced their discontentment over the matter and support for the player on social media.

Dorival also announced a 23-member squad, including Vinicius, at the same press conference for Brazil’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers this month.

Vinicius, who missed last month’s qualifiers with a neck injury, will return to international action when Brazil play at Venezuela on November 14 before hosting Uruguay five days later.

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