Florentino Pérez, president of Real Madrid, expressed his frustration over none of his players winning the Ballon d’Or, calling the process “very hard to explain” and pointing to “surprising events,” including UEFA's involvement and changes in voting criteria that led to the club’s decision to skip the ceremony.

“Rodri deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year. This year, it should have gone to a Real Madrid player, no matter the criteria. Whether it was Vinícius, as the global fanbase demanded; our captain Dani Carvajal, if extra weight was given for his Euro performances; or even Jude Bellingham. It’s hard to explain why no Madrid player won. Strange things happened,” Pérez stated.

During his speech at the club’s Assembly, Pérez highlighted UEFA’s new role as a co-organizer of the award, suggesting it contributed to the “surprising events.”

“In UEFA’s statement, they claimed they had no influence, but they clearly did. They increased the number of players eligible for votes from five to ten and raised the points each journalist could award. Plus, some countries like India didn’t participate, while smaller nations did,” he said.

“For instance, Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland. Without these four, Vinícius would have won the Ballon d’Or. Some didn’t even rank him in the top ten (laughs). Look, honestly. The Finnish journalist resigned, admitting his mistake, and said he wouldn’t participate again. At least he owned up to it, so I thank him for that,” he added.

Pérez also called for a revamp of the voting system. “We need to question the criteria used to select these journalists—no one knows who they are. But they can do as they please. I’d first ask L’Équipe if it makes sense to partner with UEFA at a time when clubs are fighting for their independence,” he said.

“The Ballon d’Or votes should be in the hands of people with recognized prestige so everyone understands their reputation is at stake with their choices,” Pérez continued. “That’s why Real Madrid decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or gala,” he explained.

Finally, Pérez expressed admiration for Vinícius, who was considered the frontrunner for last season’s best player award. “We’re proud to have a player like Vinícius Junior. For us, and for most fans and football lovers, he’s the best player in the world. Dear ‘Vini,’ Madridistas are proud of you for your sacrifice and perseverance through everything you’ve endured, often unfairly,” he concluded.