Gala for the Ballon d’Or: Comparison with Donald Trump: Hummels criticizes Real Madrid

Mats Hummels has criticized Real Madrid’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or gala and compared the club’s behavior to former US President Donald Trump. “Using the words ‘lack of respect’ when you haven’t won an election has slightly Trumpian traits, and unfortunately it’s just disrespectful to others. That’s the bad thing,” said the former national soccer player in his podcast .

The award was received by Spain’s European champion Rodri from Manchester City. The midfielder won the election ahead of Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, which is why no Real representative traveled to Paris for the gala. Trump did not want to admit his defeat in the 2020 presidential election against Joe Biden and spoke of fraud.

“There’s no question that someone from Real deserves it. But there are other amazing players who are so good,” said the AS Roma defender. “Not doing them the honor is a bad thing. There were teams that were more disadvantaged in international football, I’ll put it this way.”

Hummels himself was present in Paris as a nominee for the prestigious trophy. The 2014 world champion took the 29th and final place shared with his Roman teammate Artem Dowbyk with humor. “Last place at the Ballon d’Or is the most beautiful last place in the world,” said Hummels.

One day before the gala, Hummels made his first appearance for AS Roma. In the 5-1 defeat in Florence, the 35-year-old scored an own goal just four minutes after coming on as a substitute to make the final score. “I thought to myself, what’s the best way to start your career at such a big club,” said Hummels sarcastically. “An own goal after four minutes when the score is already 4-1 is pretty bad. It’s almost so ironic that I can only take it with humor.”

According to his own statements, he simply had to laugh after the mishap. “I was still holding back. That’s so silly. That’s the cherry on the cake of things that didn’t go well. Things can only get better. I don’t know what else would come,” said the central defender. Hummels moved to Rome in the summer after his contract with Borussia Dortmund was not extended.