The award was presented to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in October while Vinicius secured the runner-up position.

Ronaldo highlighted Vinicius’s significant contributions, noting that he played a crucial role in leading Madrid to a record 15th Champions League title.

In contrast, Rodri’s achievements included helping Manchester City win their fourth consecutive Premier League title and contributing to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

While speaking at the Global Soccer Awards ceremony, Ronaldo stated, “In my opinion, he [Vinicius Jr] deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody.”

He acknowledged Rodri’s deserving nature but insisted that Vinicius’s Champions League triumph warranted the top honour.

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The Ballon d’Or winner is determined by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists, a process that has faced scrutiny this year, especially after Vinicius’s team boycotted the award ceremony in Paris.

Only Lionel Messi has won the Ballon d’Or more times than Ronaldo, with six victories to his name.