Aragorn does not approve! Lord of the Rings star & Real Madrid fan Viggo Mortensen writes to newspaper to tear into 'spoilt child' Vinicius Jr over Ballon d'Or boycott

Real Madrid initially planned to send a delegation to the Ballon d’Or awards. However, when it became clear that Vinicius Jr. would not win the award— despite a remarkable season with Los Blancos that included a second Champions League title - the club chose to stay away from the ceremony. The Brazilian had been considered a frontrunner for the accolade, but the award ultimately went to Rodri, the Spain and Manchester City midfielder who enjoyed an exceptional season with City, culminating in Premier League and Euro 2024 victories.

Real Madrid’s decision to withdraw from the Ballon d’Or gala has drawn criticism from football insiders and former players. Now, the celebrated Lord of the Rings actor and longtime Real Madrid supporter has joined the bandwagon. Living much of the year in Madrid, Mortensen is deeply familiar with Spanish culture and football, and his opinion struck a chord with many Madridistas. The actor criticised both Vinicius and the club’s response to his snub, accusing Real Madrid of lacking sportsmanship and showing arrogance.

Mortensen’s letter in El País left little room for interpretation. He openly criticised Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid’s response, describing it as an unsportsmanlike act motivated by entitlement.

“Real Madrid, after finding out that their spoiled child was not going to win the Ballon d’Or and the child was furious and sad, said that the club does not go where it is not respected," he wrote. "And the decision was made to support Vinicius Jr. and his tantrum about not going to Paris for the awards ceremony.

“It’s being a bad loser, period. I am a Real Madrid fan, but I think that if the club does not go where it is not respected, it is the club’s fault for this type of stupidity, this unsportsmanlike and arrogant conduct. Hala Madrid! always, but how embarrassed this makes me."

Despite the controversy, Vinicius is set to make his return to the field this weekend as Real Madrid face Valencia at the Mestalla Stadium. However, concerns have arisen about the fixture, as heavy flooding in the Valencia area may cause a postponement. If the match goes ahead, it offers Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr. an opportunity to shift focus back to the field and potentially regain momentum after a turbulent week marred with controversy.