'Vinicius is sad' - Carlo Ancelotti opens up about Vinicius Junior's Ballon d'Or snub

Carlo Ancelotti stated that the decision is behind Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior, even though the world may still be discussing the contentious 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. Rodri defeated Vinícius Jr. to win soccer's most coveted individual accolade just a week ago. After assisting Real Madrid capture La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup, the Brazilian was favored to win the Ballon d'Or. However, Rodri won the award for his role in Manchester City's English Premier League victory as well as Spain's UEFA Euro 2024 title.

Before Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League matchup with AC Milan, Ancelotti was asked about Vinícius Jr.'s attitude. He said, “Vinicius is sad, like us, but not because of the Ballon d’Or, but because of what's happening in Valencia.”

Last week, the DANA catastrophe struck southeast Spain, resulting in fatal flooding over the Valencia region. The terrible storm claimed the lives of more than 200 people, and the number is still growing. The Spanish Football Federation responded to the incident by postponing both Real Madrid's La Liga match versus Valencia and Villarreal's match against Rayo Vallecano.

“Luckily we didn’t play on Saturday” : Carlo Ancelotti 

The former Bayern Munich manager, "The sadness is not [due to the Ballon d'Or], but for what is happening here in Spain. [Vinícius Jr.] is fine. He realizes what is happening. Luckily we didn’t play on Saturday and Vinicius trained well, like everyone else.”

Despite earning Men's Coach of the Year, Ancelotti also chose not to go to Paris. As Real Madrid attempts to pull off another incredible European evening at the Santiago Bernabéu, all eyes are going to be on Vinícius Jr. As the reigning European champions are ready to take on Milan on Tuesday, November 5, Real Madrid must now focus on the UEFA Champions League. In support of Vinícius Jr., Los Blancos will play their first game since missing the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony.