Unexpected is all we could say regarding the 2024 Ballon d’Or. Despite being backed as a favorite to lift the prestigious trophy from the start, Vinicius Jr. didn’t open his account as it was Rodri Hernandez who lifted his first-ever trophy. While the soccer world has made it no less than a debate since then, Vinicius Junior somehow stepped up to finally open up for the first time after the Ballon d’Or loss.

Of course, after the Manchester City and Spain midfielder won his first-ever Ballon d’Or, many who supported the Real Madrid and Brazilian forward instead had to come in support of Vini. The latest to step up and give a shoulder to lean on was Toni Kroos. Interestingly, the retired German maestro took to Instagram and shared two pictures of him alongside Vinicius Jr.

Additionally, he did so with a succinct caption saying, “The best.” As the post caught the eye of the 24-year-old, he commented on the photo of him with Kroos and replied, “Te quiero, Antonio!!” which translates to “I love you, Antonio.” Indeed, Vinicius must have been grateful that Kroos came in support of him just after being piped by Rodri in the Ballon d’Or race.   

Notably, Kroos himself made the 30-man Ballon d’Or nominations, despite hanging up his boots earlier this season. The German international interestingly made a top 10 finish, 9th place to be precise, thanks to his remarkable performance for Los Blancos to win the UEFA Champions League and La Liga. That also saw last season’s Spanish league MVP winner Jude Bellingham take third place with Dani Carvajal taking the fourth with his UEFA Euro victory.

Kylian Mbappe may have also finished sixth below Erling Haaland, but he did share the 2024 Gerd Muller trophy with Harry Kane for being the best goal-scorer, thanks to the Frenchman’s performance for Paris Saint-Germain and his national team. Meanwhile, the remaining Madrid stars included Federico Valverde, who took 17th place, and Antonio Rudiger, who finished 22nd.

On the brighter side, while Real Madrid lifted the Best Club of the Year award, gaffer Carlo Ancelotti also won the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy for being the best coach in the world. In fact, after the win, the Italian gave a special tribute to Vinicius Junior!

Carlo Ancelotti also joins Real Madrid stars to back deserved Ballon d’Or win of Vinicius Junior

Shortly after the former Bayern Munich and Chelsea boss won his Best Coach of the Year award, he took to X, formerly Twitter, to address his remarkable win against the likes of Pep Guardiola, Xabi Alonso, and Lionel Scaloni. He wrote, “I want to thank my Family, my President, my Club, my Players and above all Vini and Carvajal.”

A heartwarming thanks to his star players Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal, who played a crucial role in helping him receive this special accolade. Interestingly, it also sends a subtle message that in his eyes, both of these stars were deserved candidates to win the Ballon d’Or. Sadly, that didn’t happen as we are seeing Rodri celebrating it.

Regardless, from the looks of Vinicius Jr’s first words, it seems he has made peace regarding his Ballon d’Or snub.