Iago Aspas Provokes Vinícius 48 Hours Before Real Madrid-Celta: 'The Ballon d'Or...'

Real Madrid continues with its preparation for the match against Celta de Vigo still digesting what happened in the Copa del Rey final against FC Barcelona. These training sessions, prior to the visit of the Galician team, take place amid the multiple open fronts for the white club regarding the future of its coach and several players.

One of the footballers who is at the center of several of these speculations is Vinícius Jr. His departure toward Saudi Arabia, although it is true that his prominence has been reduced for some time, remains uncertain. The multimillion-dollar offers sent by several teams from the Saudi Pro League have motivated the negotiations for the renewal of the Brazilian '7', conversations that have not yet concluded.

One of the most controversial points of Vinícius this season, without a doubt, is the Ballon d'Or. Most forecasts predicted the merengue footballer as the winner of this individual award, organized and awarded by UEFA and the specialized sports magazine France Football. In a surprising turn of events, a leak shattered all those plans.

Real Madrid received a direct notice that Rodri would finally be the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, something that ultimately happened at the gala held in Paris. All the comments made in that context represent another distancing of Real Madrid from UEFA, in addition to giving rivals reasons to repeatedly point to the Madrid '7'.

Measured Comment

One of the latest to do so, in the context of the match between Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo, is Iago Aspas. It is not the first time that Celta de Vigo's '10' has spoken about the match at Santiago Bernabéu on the upcoming Sunday, May 4, offering controversial statements about it. His latest opinion on the matter is related to the 2024 Ballon d'Or and Vinícius Jr.'s chances.

According to Iago Aspas, "Vinícius deserved the Ballon d'Or, just like Rodri". For the veteran Spanish forward, both footballers were well-positioned to win this individual award given by UEFA and France Football, so the final choice would not be controversial.

The debate over the 2024 Ballon d'Or is far behind, postponed over time by the results achieved by Real Madrid this season. Meanwhile, that controversy affects Vinícius Jr. very little, whose priority is to regain his best form to try to bring Real Madrid closer to the league title. That's why there is no response from any level of the white club to this provocation by Iago Aspas.

Real Madrid and Celta de Vigo, despite the differences in the standings, arrive in similar competitive situations. Because the white club is still focused on the fight for the LaLiga leadership, while Pablo Giráldez's pupils do not want to give up and wish to enter the Europa League 25/26.