Real Madrid and Vinícius Júnior to Skip Ballon d'Or Ceremony Amid Controversy

The team reportedly believes that Manchester City's midfielder Rodri is set to win the coveted prize, sparking frustration and disappointment within the Real Madrid camp.

At just 24, Vinícius had emerged as a strong contender for the 2024 men’s Ballon d'Or after an incredible season, during which he led Madrid to LaLiga and Champions League glory. His stellar performances, including 15 goals in LaLiga and six crucial strikes in the Champions League, were expected to place him among the frontrunners for the award. However, the expectation that Rodri will win has led to a sense of injustice within the club, with one source calling it “unfair” and describing the situation as a “historic robbery.”

The decision not to attend is seen as a form of protest, signaling dissatisfaction with the process and outcome. Vinícius would have been the first Brazilian to win the men’s Ballon d'Or since Kaká in 2007, a fact that added to the emotional stakes for both the player and his supporters.

In addition to Vinícius, a host of Madrid’s top players—Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, and more—will also skip the event. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, who had publicly voiced his belief that Vinícius could win, will not attend either, even though he was nominated for best coach.

Despite Vinícius’ individual brilliance, which included a hat-trick in Madrid's recent 5-2 comeback against Dortmund, Real Madrid’s crushing 4-0 defeat to Barcelona in the Clásico just days ago has compounded the frustration in the Madrid camp.

Meanwhile, Rodri's success, both in leading Manchester City to a Premier League title and playing a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph, has seemingly tipped the scales in his favor for the award.

This year’s Ballon d'Or has sparked emotions on all sides, with Real Madrid’s absence adding a dramatic layer to an already highly anticipated event.