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Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Vinicius Junior attends the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. (Getty Images via AFP)
Vinicius Junior attends the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. (Getty Images via AFP)
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Ronaldo Slams 'Unfair' Ballon D'Or Result After Vinicius Snub

Vinicius Junior attends the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. (Getty Images via AFP)
Vinicius Junior attends the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on December 25, 2024 in New York City. (Getty Images via AFP)

Five-time Ballon d'Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo said on Friday it was "unfair" that Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior missed out on this year's award.

Manchester City midfielder Rodri took the prestigious prize in October with favourite Vinicius in second place

Rodri helped City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 while attacker Vinicius guided Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League, AFP reported.

This year's ceremony in Paris was clouded by controversy after Vinicius' Madrid boycotted the event.

"In my opinion he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody," former Madrid attacker Ronaldo said at the ceremony of the Global Soccer Awards.

"They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League," the Portugal captain added.

Only Argentina superstar Lionel Messi with his six successes has won the Ballon d'Or more than Ronaldo.

The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen from the shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.

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Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
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Renard Stresses Importance of Saudi Arabia’s Match against Iraq in Gulf Cup

Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)
Renard speaks at the press conference on Friday. (SPA)

Saudi national football team coach Hervé Renard underlined on Friday the importance of his team's upcoming "challenging and crucial" match against Iraq in the Gulf Cup currently underway in Kuwait.

Winning the match is essential to advancing to the semifinals, he told a press conference.

The teams will clash on Saturday afternoon.

"The Saudi fans consistently support the national team. Although we did not begin the tournament at our usual level, we will strive to bring the Saudi national team to its normal situation," he vowed.

"I concentrate solely on football, analyzing matches and players' performances daily to achieve our objectives," he added.

Meanwhile, Iraqi national team coach Jesus Casas said the match against Saudi Arabia is a chance to evaluate the team's blend of youth and experience.

He emphasized the importance of achieving proper harmony for the team to deliver the best result.

"The last match was disappointing, and all the teams in the tournament are competitive. We do not make excuses; instead, we will concentrate on putting forth a solid performance against the Saudi national team," Casas said.