Lionel Messi team-mate becomes latest star to take aim at 'unfair' Ballon d'Or
This year's Ballon d'Or awards sparked fury after Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to the coveted trophy, but it is not only the Real Madrid attacker who feels hard down by
by Jacob Leeks · The MirrorInter Milan star Lautaro Martinez has branded the Ballon d'Or awards 'unfair' after he finished seventh in this year's rankings.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri took home the coveted trophy in a shock result, with Brazil star Vinicius Junior having been expected to win. Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony after finding out Vinicius had finished second.
Martinez was voted in seventh, finishing behind Rodri and Vinicius, as well as Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe. That was despite the striker firing Inter to the Serie A title last season, finishing as the top scorer in Italy.
He followed that up by winning the Copa America with Argentina, again claiming the golden boot award in that tournament. As a result, Martinez feels hard-done-by in the Ballon d'Or, though he is now trying to turn his focus back towards Inter's title defence.
“Surely, it’s possible to improve. Honestly, I expected more, but I work for Inter and the Argentina national team. These awards are unfair sometimes, but I am happy with the work I am doing. I am getting back in shape," he told DAZN after Inter beat Empoli on Wednesday.
"As you know, I started the pre-season later after a long campaign. I didn’t rest much and played a lot, so it’s normal to be tired. But we all try to do our best, and we must continue because the season is still long.
"Empoli are in shape and tough to face. They have physicality, and they play well in midfield. We prepared the game in the best way. It’s easier when you are up one man, but you have to win games. Not conceding was important. We really needed these three points."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Who should have won this year's Ballon d'Or? Comment below.
The men’s Ballon d’Or is voted for by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations. Each journalist picks their top 10 from the 30-player shortlist with descending points values for each pick (first is 15 points, second is 12, third is 10 etc).
The player who receives the most overall points wins the annual award. Following the confirmation that Vinicius had missed out, his international team-mate Richarlison slammed the awards organisers.
"All of us who live football eagerly await the individual awards each season. Today, all Brazilians who love football woke up expecting to see another player from our country win an award for the best in the world after so long," Richarlison said.
"Unfortunately, for reasons that no one can understand, the award did not come. And don't get me wrong, Rodri is a great player who deserves to be among the best. But Vini not winning the Ballon d'Or was embarrassing, and the only one who lost today was football.
"I remember Vini saying that his dream was to see the whole of Brazil cheering for him. And that day was today! You are a giant and the best in the world, kid! And no trophy will change that. Keep going and never shut up! We're together!"
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky Sports deal
Sky Sports launches discounted Premier League package
£46 (was £56)
Sky has slashed the price of its Sky Sports, Sky Stream, Sky TV and Netflix bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £240 and includes 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.