Dutch legend Clarence Seedorf believes Real Madrid star Vinicius Jnr missed out on the Ballon d’Or due to an “unresolved” dispute.

Vinicius Jnr was beaten to the prestigious award by Manchester City midfielder Rodri on Monday evening, as the Brazilian winger finished second in the table ahead of Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal.

After learning that Vinicius Jr had not won earlier in the day, Real Madrid opted not to send representatives to the ceremony as he made his disgust clear.

Seedorf, who won the Champions League with Madrid in 1998, was in attendance with his wife Sophia Makramati and put forward his own theory as to why Vinicius Jnr was overlooked.

“I already voted almost a year ago and I think Vinicius deserved this award,” Seedorf told TNT Sports Brasil.

Rodri received the Ballon d’Or on Monday evening ahead of Vinicius Jnr.

Vinicius Jnr did not attend the ceremony after discovering he had not won the award

Clarence Seedorf (pictured alongside his wife Sophia Makramati) believes Vinicius Jnr did not win due to an “unresolved” dispute between Real Madrid and UEFA.

“It seems that there is something between Real Madrid and UEFA that does not seem to be resolved.”

He added: “The problems between Real Madrid and UEFA must be left out of these issues. It’s a shame.

Seedorf did not specify exactly what the dispute might be about, and Madrid still won team of the year, while Carlo Ancelotti was declared men’s coach of the year after his team’s La Liga triumphs and in the Champions League.

Yet Seedorf was far from the only high-profile figure to disagree with the final Ballon d’Or rankings.

Vinicius turned to X after the decision to publish was announced: “I will do it 10x if necessary. They are not ready.

He was supported by several of his teammates, including Eduardo Camavinga, who also suggested it was not a footballing decision.

Camavinga wrote on social media: “FOOTBALL POLITICS. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. I love you my brother.’

Aurélien Tchouameni added: “Nothing will take away what you have achieved, my brother. We ALL know it… They are not ready for what you are going to offer them.

For his part, Madrid defender Eder Militao said: “You are the best and no one can take that away from you.” The best!’