Real Madrid News
Real Madrid president faces backlash from Namibian Ballon d’Or voter – ‘I see a frustrated person’
The Ballon d’Or being awarded to Rodri instead of Vinicius Jr. has sparked ongoing frustration at Real Madrid.
Many at the club, including President Florentino Perez, have openly criticised the decision, believing that Vinicius was more deserving of the accolade.
Perez, during a recent Assembly, expressed strong disapproval of the France Football award, questioning the credibility of the voting process and the countries involved.
Perez questioned the system
Perez pointed out changes made by UEFA to the voting system, highlighting that the points each journalist could assign to players were increased significantly, from six to 15.
He also criticised the inclusion of votes from countries with smaller populations, some of which he claimed did not rank Vinicius even within the top ten. He suggested that without the votes from four specific countries, Vinicius would have emerged victorious.
Among the nations he mentioned were Namibia, Uganda, Albania, and Finland. He even noted that a Finnish journalist admitted to an error and subsequently resigned.
Reaction from Namibia
Unsurprisingly, these remarks did not go unanswered. Sheefeni Nicodemus, a journalist from Namibia who participated in the voting process, responded strongly to Perez’s claims in an interview.
Nicodemus dismissed Perez’s comments as those of someone venting frustration over the outcome.
“I suspect that these are the words of a person who is frustrated,” he began saying as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
He also challenged the notion that journalists from smaller countries should not have a significant vote, stating that such remarks imply a sense of superiority from larger footballing nations.
“Mr Perez feels that people from my country and the other countries mentioned do not have a meaningful vote because we are inferior people.”
Nicodemus argued that if his nationality disqualified him in Perez’s view, the same logic would question any disagreement with journalists from major footballing countries.
“If I were from the major footballing nations and I did not agree with his opinion, what would be your argument?” he said.
His response added another layer to the debate, raising important questions about the fairness and inclusivity of global football awards.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid identify €60m-rated Brighton defender as potential 2027 transfer target – report
Real Madrid are keeping tabs on Brighton & Hove Albion defender Luka Vuskovic as they assess options to strengthen their defence ahead of the 2027 transfer windows.
According to Bernabeu Digital, the Croatian centre-back is among the players under consideration as Los Blancos plan for a potential defensive overhaul in the summer of 2027.
The interest comes as Real Madrid prepare for possible departures at centre-back.
On that note, Raul Asencio could be moved on, while Antonio Rudiger is expected to leave when his contract expires.
The club therefore wants to recruit at least one high-quality defender to reinforce the squad for the long term.
Vuskovic, whose market value, as per Transfermarkt, is estimated €60 million, is attracting attention from several major European clubs, although Brighton are understood to have no intention of selling the 19-year-old.
Luka Vuskovic emerges as Real Madrid transfer target
According to Bernabeu Digital, Real Madrid are monitoring Vuskovic as they search for a centre-back capable of strengthening their defensive options.
The Croatian has also attracted interest from Liverpool and Manchester United, while Tottenham are also keeping track of a player they sold last summer.
Understandably so, the competition for his signature could make any potential deal difficult, particularly with Brighton reluctant to part ways with the defender.
At Real Madrid, they are assessing several candidates, with their priority being to identify players who can provide quality and long-term stability.
Real Madrid consider two centre-back signings for 2027
As such, Real Madrid are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing in two centre-backs across the upcoming transfer windows.
Vuskovic is one potential option, while Alessandro Bastoni remains another name associated with the club’s defensive plans.
Bastoni was a target for Real Madrid last summer, and despite failing to land the Italian, his profile continues to fit the type of reinforcement being considered.
Notably, the potential exits of Asencio and Rudiger would leave Madrid needing fresh depth and experience at centre-back, and recruiting early could help the club avoid entering a transfer window without a clear succession plan.
