Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola expressed his views on the Ballon d’Or results, stating that if Vinícius Júnior had won, it would have been entirely justified. Guardiola drew parallels to the previous year when Erling Haaland, despite his impressive performance, did not secure the award.
Guardiola’s Perspective
Guardiola highlighted the sportsmanship displayed by Haaland, who accepted the outcome gracefully and congratulated Lionel Messi, the winner. He encouraged a forward-looking attitude, suggesting that players should aim to achieve the accolade in the following season.
Context and Background
Guardiola’s comments come amidst ongoing discussions about the Ballon d’Or voting process, which he has previously addressed. His admiration for Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo’s contributions to football has been well-documented, and he has often spoken about Messi’s exceptional talent.
Guardiola’s Current Role
As the current manager of Manchester City, Guardiola continues to influence the football world with his insights and leadership. His reflections on the Ballon d’Or and other football matters are closely followed by fans and analysts alike.