Real Madrid to Boycott Ballon d’Or Ceremony Over Suspected Snub of Vinicius

Club protests selection process, hinting at lack of respect from award organizers

Real Madrid announced they will skip Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, citing doubts over the selection process after star striker Vinicius Jr. was reportedly overlooked for the award. The Spanish club is convinced Vinicius, widely considered a strong candidate for the Ballon d’Or, has been unfairly passed over. Madrid also believes their other nominee, defender Dani Carvajal, was similarly disregarded.

“If the award criteria don’t favor Vinicius as the winner, then the same should hold for Carvajal,” a club spokesperson told AFP. “Since this is not the case, it’s clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid, and Real Madrid will not attend where it is not respected.”

In a break from tradition, Ballon d’Or organizers decided to keep the winner a closely guarded secret until the ceremony, avoiding the usual pre-ceremony leaks. All nominees have been invited, yet Madrid’s statement suggests that neither Vinicius, Carvajal, nor Jude Bellingham, another standout player for the club, will be taking home the trophy this year.

With Madrid players absent, Manchester City’s Rodri, who clinched the Euro 2024 title and was named UEFA’s Player of the Tournament, now emerges as a leading contender. The Ballon d’Or, awarded by a jury of journalists from the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings, is set to announce the winner tonight in Paris.

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