In the aftermath of the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards, where Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. found himself overlooked despite a stellar season, France Football’s chief Pascal Ferré provided insight into the Brazilian star’s Ballon d’Or ranking and the elements that may have influenced it.
At a press conference in Paris, Ferré was asked directly about the high expectations surrounding Vinicius and why the young forward did not place higher in the final rankings. Ferré candidly explained that Vinicius’ competition, both at Real Madrid and on the international stage, may have hindered his chances.
**Impact of Teammates on Vinicius’ Ranking**
Ferré highlighted that the Ballon d’Or voting often considers a player’s individual contributions, but when teammates like Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham are also in the spotlight, it can dilute the focus. He suggested that Real Madrid’s team dynamics meant that Vinicius, despite his impressive stats and playmaking ability, shared the limelight with other standout performers. “Vinicius suffered because of Carvajal and Bellingham’s presence,” Ferré stated, suggesting that the sheer depth of talent at Madrid left some voters uncertain of Vinicius’ unique value compared to his peers.
**Vinicius’ Season: Stellar, But Complex**
Ferré was quick to praise Vinicius’ growth over the season, particularly his resilience in the face of obstacles and his role as a pivotal player in Madrid’s success. He noted that while Vinicius displayed speed, creativity, and scoring prowess, these attributes were seen alongside equally impressive performances from players in other leagues, creating stiff competition. “He is a phenomenal talent,” Ferré acknowledged, “but sometimes in a team with multiple superstars, even an incredible season can get overshadowed.”
**Bellingham’s Role and Voter Perspectives**
The presence of Jude Bellingham, another standout Madrid player, was particularly impactful. Bellingham’s early performances for Madrid, including crucial goals and consistency on the field, put him firmly in the running for Ballon d’Or attention, potentially drawing votes that might otherwise have gone to Vinicius. Ferré also mentioned that the unique strengths of each player—Vinicius’ flair versus Bellingham’s leadership and composure—gave voters diverse options for recognizing Madrid’s success, ultimately splitting opinions.
**The Broader Ballon d’Or Criteria and Vinicius’ Future**
The France Football chief reiterated that the Ballon d’Or considers various elements, from individual skill to team achievements and influence on the game. In Vinicius’ case, while he checked many of these boxes, the competition within his own team was simply too close. Ferré added, however, that Vinicius’ age and potential for growth indicate he’s likely to remain a strong contender in future years.
Ending the press conference, Ferré expressed confidence in Vinicius’ continued rise and the prospect of a Ballon d’Or win for the young forward. “Vinicius’ time is coming,” Ferré said. “He’s a player who only seems to improve every season, and his potential is undeniable.”
This insight from France Football offers fans and analysts a clearer picture of why Vinicius may have lost out on the 2023 Ballon d’Or and reinforces the depth of talent that Real Madrid currently fields.
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