Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid ‘boycott Ballon d’Or ceremony’ after discovering result | Football | Sport
Vinicius Junior’s entourage believe the Real Madrid star will remarkably miss out on the Ballon d’Or tonight. It is claimed that the Brazil winger and officials from his Spanish club will be absent from the ceremony.
Vinicius was the early favourite to win the award given to the world’s best player. He was one of several world-class stars named on a 30-man shortlist.
However, French website RMC Sport report that Real have learned that the 24-year-old will not win the Ballon d’Or. The report claims that executives from the La Liga giants are ‘furious’ and have decided against travelling to Paris for tonight’s party.
The club’s delegation will remain in Spain alongside other Los Blancos stars who were nominated for the prize, including England star Jude Bellingham. Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos (now retired), Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde were also shortlisted.
The Independent reports that Vinicius himself had been confident he would win the Ballon d’Or. The report continues that word got out last night that he was set to miss out.
Voting for the Ballon d’Or takes place among a selection of journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings. It is unclear who will now win the award, with Real believing that Vinicius has not been picked as the world’s best player.
According to Spanish publication Marca, Rodri has emerged as one of the top contenders to be presented with the trophy. The Manchester City midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable 12 months with the Premier League club and his national tem Spain.
Rodri could finally have his hugely influential performances for City and Spain rewarded. He helped Pep Guardiola‘s side win the Premier League last season, completing four-consecutive league titles. In the summer, the 28-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024, where La Roja defeated England in the final.
City suffered a major blow to their chances of winning the Premier League and Champions League when Rodri suffered an ACL and meniscus injury in September. He will likely miss the remainder of the season, Pep Guardiola revealed at the time.
It came just days after Rodri complained that an expanding fixture calendar was causing more serious injuries. Asked if players could strike, Rodri said: “I think we are close to that. If it keeps this way, it will be a moment that we have no other option, but let’s see.”
Among the other Premier League-based Ballon d’Or nominees are Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, Emiliano Martinez, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka. England captain Harry Kane could also be in with a chance.
