Ballon d’Or 2024: Real Madrid to boycott ceremony as Vinicius Junior misses out

Real Madrid have reportedly decided to skip the Ballon d’Or 2024 ceremony in Paris after learning that their star forward, Vinicius Junior, will not be winning the award.

Fabrizio Romano reports that club president Florentino Perez, along with coach Carlo Ancelotti and nominee Jude Bellingham, will also be absent.

This follows news that Real Madrid’s representatives will not lift any major prizes at the event.

Vinicius, widely considered a top contender, was expected to secure the prestigious award.

He was heavily backed by Real Madrid and even Ancelotti himself, who publicly voiced his belief that Vinicius would take home the trophy.

However, reports from La Sexta indicate that Vinicius will be the runner-up, with Manchester City’s Rodri Hernandez now emerging as the frontrunner.

Jude Bellingham is anticipated to secure third place.

The Ballon d’Or, awarded by France Football, is determined by votes from 100 specialized journalists, evaluating players based on individual and team performances, as well as their sportsmanship.

Recall Vinicius was instrumental in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League campaigns, but Rodri’s impact with Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s Euro 2024 win appears to have tipped the scales in his favour.