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There have also been discussions surrounding the potential influence of media bias, particularly in the context of racism in European football. Some commentators propose that Vinícius’s activism against racial abuse and discrimination might have played a role in the decision to overlook him for the Ballon d'Or. Although they acknowledge that various players of color have previously won, they assert that Vinícius's outspoken stance might have made him a target of retaliatory sentiment among some voters.
While many critics may disagree with the notion of racial bias, it raises significant questions about how personal opinions can influence the outcomes in awards that should be based purely on athletic performance.