The aftermath of the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards has stirred conversation in the football world — not just about who won, but about who reacted. https://www.facebook.com/100067867727102/posts/pfbid07ieDyt8gz9fPwnBxb4fysXykbQxYf9MFQ6Joz3kKtiLMfwGhrfsZnc2ciPwpP6rql/?app=fbl
While many expected messages of support from fellow players, it was the silence of Vinícius Júnior that raised eyebrows after Rodri, the Spanish midfield maestro, narrowly missed out on the prestigious prize.
According to sources close to the players, Vinícius Júnior — who was himself a top contender — did not send any public or private message to Rodri following the latter’s Ballon d’Or disappointment.
The Real Madrid winger’s silence has sparked speculation among fans and pundits about possible tension or simply a conscious decision to remain quiet amid a highly competitive award season.
In contrast, Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old rising star of Spanish football, reportedly sent a heartfelt message to Rodri congratulating him on an “incredible season” and encouraging him not to be discouraged by the final results.
Yamal, who has been hailed as the future of Spain’s national team, shared the message privately but later hinted at it during a post-awards interview, saying, “Rodri inspired all of us this season. Sometimes the best don’t always win the trophy.”
Rodri, who was widely praised for his consistency, leadership, and role in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, was seen as one of the frontrunners for the award, making the loss even more surprising to many fans and analysts.
As reactions to the Ballon d’Or results continue to unfold, the contrasting responses from fellow professionals highlight the emotional complexity and competitiveness surrounding football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Whether intentional or not, Vinícius’s silence and Yamal’s gesture have added another layer to the post-award narrative.
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