PARIS, Dec 28, 2024 (BSS/AFP) - Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano
Ronaldo said on Friday it was "unfair" that Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior
missed out on this year's award.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri took the prestigious prize in October with
favourite Vinicius in second place

Rodri helped City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro
2024 while attacker Vinicius guided Madrid to a record-extending 15th
Champions League.

This year's ceremony in Paris was clouded by controversy after Vinicius'
Madrid boycotted the event.

"In my opinion he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it
here in front of everybody," former Madrid attacker Ronaldo said at the
ceremony of the Global Soccer Awards.

"They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given
it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League," the Portugal captain
added.

Only Argentina superstar Lionel Messi with his six successes has won the
Ballon d'Or more than Ronaldo.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen from the shortlist by an
international jury of 100 specialist journalists.