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Each year since 1956, French magazine France Football has awarded the Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) to the best soccer player on the planet.
From 2008-2023, superstars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the competition, winning 13 of 15 possible times. But with both seemingly on the downsides of their respective careers, the 2024 award was completely up for grabs.
A total of 30 players made the final shortlist for the award, but many expected that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. was the favorite to take home his first Ballon d’Or.
Now, it appears that’s unlikely to happen.
Vinicius Jr. To Skip Ballon d’Or Ceremony Amid Controversy
Vinicius Jr. and the entire Real Madrid contingent are expected to skip the award show altogether after late leaks suggest that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will instead take home the golden ball.
Rodri led Manchester City to its fourth-consecutive Premier League title this past season and helped Spain to an impressive victory at UEFA Euro 2024. Though he was subbed off mid-way through the Euro final against England.
Vinicius, meanwhile, scored 24 goals in all competitions across the 2023-24 season and led Real to victories in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Real Madrid also knocked Manchester City out of the Championship League in the semifinal round.
Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that Real Madrid plans to boycott the event in light of the news.
“Real Madrid believe that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will be announced as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or later today, beating Vinicius Junior to the award,” Cortegana writes. “The Brazil international, 24, is not expected to attend Monday’s ceremony in Paris in anticipation of the outcome. Madrid’s director of institutional relations Emilio Butragueno is also not traveling to the event, which now will not have club representation.”
On one hand, it’s hard to blame Vinicius Jr. for his frustration. His resume suggests he should win the award. But it also shows a lack of class on behalf both his and Real Madrid’s behalf to skip the ceremony altogether.