The Spanish Valencia FC issued an official statement criticizing the French magazine France Football, during the Ballon d'Or ceremony, because of the Brazilian star Vinicius Junior, the Real Madrid player. Vinicius Junior was crowned with the Socrates Award for his charitable work through the “Vini” Foundation, and the Prince of Monaco, Albert II, presented the award to the Real Madrid player. On the sidelines of the 67th ceremony, the 2023 Socrates Prize was awarded to Vinicius Junior. This prize is supposed to reward players engaged in societal and charitable projects. On this occasion, images of the controversial match at Mestalla, against Valencia, were broadcast to explain the Brazilian’s incessant fight against racism. And the VCF didn’t like it. “Valence CF regrets the use of our image during the Ballon d’Or gala and its association with isolated behavior which the Club has pursued urgently and decisively, applying the most severe sanctions to those involved. We reiterate our most absolute condemnation of racism, but we also demand the greatest respect for our supporters and our Club” indicated the club on X. During his speech at the Theater du Chatelet, Vigne talked about racism, and in the background, pictures were shown of the racist incident he was exposed to at the Mestalla stadium, the stronghold of Valencia, and last season in the Spanish League. Valencia said in its statement: “Valencia Club regrets the use of our image at the Ballon d’Or ceremony and its association with the isolated behaviors that the club followed urgently and decisively, and applied the most severe punishment to those involved.” He added: "We reiterate our absolute condemnation of racism, but we also ask for the utmost respect for our fans and our club."