The Ballon d’Or executives have been forced to speak out as rumours that Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid won’t be attending Monday’s ceremony emerge.
The Ballon d’Or winner will be revealed at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, with Vinicius Jr. and Rodri considered the frontrunners.
Initially, MARCA suggested that Vinicius, the Real Madrid star, would win the prestigious award, but recent reports from RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins indicate he may not. He mentioned on social media that Vinicius’s entourage believes he won’t receive the Ballon d’Or, a sentiment shared by many in Madrid.
Following this, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that Vinicius would not attend the awards ceremony, stating that Real Madrid is aware he won’t win. He noted that no one from the club, including president Florentino Pérez, Vinicius, coach Carlo Ancelotti, or player Jude Bellingham, will be present.
With Vinicius seemingly out of the running, reports suggest that Manchester City’s Rodri is poised to take home the award. However, Ballon d’Or executive Marc Las responded by asserting that only he and the head of France Football know the winner for 2024, calling anyone else who claims to know a liar.
The winner will be revealed tonight at a highly anticipated event in Paris, despite Real Madrid’s absence.
Rodri commented on the award, stating, “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves a Ballon d’Or.”
