From thrilling dribbles at the Bernabéu to viral debates across social media, one question has echoed across the football world: did Vinicius win the Ballon d’Or? In short — not yet. But this answer barely scratches the surface of an emotional saga full of near-misses, controversy, and a rising legend’s fight for recognition. In this article, AnaGoal will guide you through the full story: where Vinicius stands now in Ballon d’Or history, how close he’s come, and what lies ahead for his pursuit of football’s ultimate individual prize.
The Ballon d’Or: What It Means
Every year, France Football awards the Ballon d’Or to the male (and female) player deemed the best in the world over the past season. Voted by journalists worldwide, it is arguably the pinnacle of individual football honors. Winning it cements a legacy, joining the likes of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Cruyff in the pantheon of football immortals.
For a player like Vinicius Júnior — explosive, dazzling, still young — winning the Ballon d’Or would be both validation and elevation. Critics often point out that forwards with goals and assists stand better chances than wide dribblers, and that defenders or midfielders who anchor winning sides sometimes leapfrog more glamorous attackers in the voting.
Vinicius’ Ballon d’Or History
Early nominations
Vinicius first began attracting attention beyond club level as his performances for Real Madrid and Brazil matured. But early in his career, he rarely featured among the top finalists for the Ballon d’Or. As other stars — strikers, midfield maestros — dominated the headlines, the young Brazilian’s name hovered mostly in “ones to watch” lists.
2024: The Breakthrough near-win
The clearest moment when many believed “this is it” came in the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Coming off a season in which he scored 24 goals, delivered 11 assists, and played a key role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double, Vinicius emerged as one of the leading favorites.
However, when the awards were handed out, he finished runner-up to Manchester City’s Rodri. The margin? Just 41 points (Rodri: 1,170 vs. Vinicius: 1,129). His campaign — even if met with acclaim — fell just short of converting huge promise into the golden accolade.
He did, however, receive other honors. Later that year, he was awarded The Best FIFA Men’s Player — another major individual crown.
So, even though Vinicius has not won the Ballon d’Or, 2024 represented his strongest push yet.
Why He Missed Out: Factors And Controversies
Why did Vinicius not take home the Ballon d’Or despite being a leading favorite? This is where football politics, criteria, and perceptions come into play.
1. The weight of trophies and team achievements
Rodri’s win was bolstered by Manchester City’s success and Spain’s performance. The perception that he was the “engine room” of both teams helped voters favor him. Meanwhile, some analysts argue that although Vinicius’ goals and dribbles were spectacular, the value placed on midfield control and team balance gave Rodri the edge.
2. Vote splitting within Real Madrid
France Football’s editorial team suggested that having multiple Real Madrid players nominated may have fragmented support for Vinicius, diluting his share of first-place votes.
3. The narrative and media framing
Some pundits claim that Vinicius’ absence of a dominant international tournament or consistent dominance in every match made him appear less “complete” in the eyes of some voters. There are also accusations that behind-the-scenes politics and media narratives influenced perception.
4. The emotional angle and reaction
Real Madrid reportedly decided not to send Vinicius or club representatives to the 2024 ceremony once they believed he would not win. The club framed this as objection over respect and legitimacy. Vinicius himself later explained that he skipped it in part because he felt the decision was already made.
Supporters and teammates publicly backed him, arguing he had been unfairly snubbed. Yet even strong objections do little to sway official ballots.
Comparisons: Rodri vs. Vinicius — Stats and Impact
In the debate over 2024, fans dissected every metric. Some key contrasts:
- Rodri: A commanding presence in midfield, known for passing accuracy, defensive positioning, and influence on Guardiola’s system. His consistency and team contributions were judged to outweigh the flash.
- Vinicius: Explosive offensive threat, decisive in big moments, and a key driver of Madrid’s success. But critics claimed that over stretches, his consistency dipped.
Statistical analyses show that while Vinicius’ attacking stats were elite, Rodri’s all-round contributions, defensive work rate, and team success swayed many votes.
Is It Still Possible For Vinicius To Win The Ballon d’Or?
Absolutely. At just 24 years old (in 2025), Vinicius still has time. Here are factors that could tilt the balance:
- More trophies: Champions League, World Cup, Copa América — success on grandest stages elevates individual campaigns.
- Consistency: Sustained excellence week in, week out is essential.
- Leadership and influence: Becoming a reference figure, captain, or leader could shift narrative.
- International breakthrough: If Brazil shines in a major tournament with Vinicius central, he can carry that momentum.
- Reduced vote splitting: Fewer co-nominees, the foundation is set; it needs just that extra push.
Conclusion
Did Vinicius win the Ballon d’Or? Not yet — but he came extremely close in 2024, finishing runner-up by the narrowest margins. What remains clear is that he is one of the most exciting players of his generation, terminally underrated in certain debates, and still with a future ripe for that ultimate accolade.
At AnaGoal, we’ll continue to follow Vinicius’ journey — his goals, assists, trophies, and every twist in the Ballon d’Or race. If you want updates on future Ballon d’Or contenders, player profiles, or breaking football news — stay with us.
