This just shows the complete decline that Brazilian football is in, the last best player in the world was Kaká almost 20 years ago. I think the award given to Rodri was fair, Vinicius is not yet a complete player and responding to the OP, I think it is very difficult for 100 people to think the same way, there may even be some prejudice but specific cases that may not even interfere in the final result. There are 100 people voting... if Rodri won it was because he deserved it.
The judges are asked to consider three areas: Individual performance, decisiveness and impressiveness, their collective performance and track record as well as fair play.
If the award is given based on the quality of the player and his performance, Vinicius Junior was far better than the winner Rodri. Most newspapers globally reported that the Brazilian was the favourite to win the award. His shortfall might be his character on the pitch. He has not been able to calmly interact with players and officials. He has been a target of racist attacks but sometimes he reacts extremely.
But I think the voting for the award can be expanded to give equal representation. Since FIFA has a membership of about 211 national associations, maybe a sports journalist from each country should vote.