Ballon d’Or 2024: Vinicius should not win the Ballon d’Or, Real boycotts the ceremony (media)

Everything seemed ready. The flight, the delegation, the costume. Because it was written and announced almost everywhere: <a href="https://www.archysport.com/2022/01/spains-supercup-in-the-desert-real-madrid-defeat-barcelona/" title="Spain's Supercup in the desert: Real Madrid defeat Barcelona”>Vinicius Junior was to win the Ballon d’Or this Monday evening at the Théâtre du Châtelet. “Had to”, yes, because everything finally seems to be turned upside down a few hours before the start of the ceremony. Indeed, several Spanish media, including those from Madrid, such as AS et Markannounce that the Brazilian will not be the winner of this 68th edition. The big winner would be Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder who won Euro 2024 with Spain. A huge surprise.

For Real, it is more of a low blow. To the point that several sources, including RMC Sport, reveal that the Madrid delegation expected in Paris ultimately canceled its visit, probably upset by this twist of events. And it doesn’t matter if Vinicius and Jude Bellingham, his teammate, are announced on the podium.

For the Merengues, not giving the Ballon d’Or to the Brazilian is a difficult affront to digest. To the point of completely deserting the Théâtre du Châtelet as a protest, since no member of Real is expected. No leader. No players. “Real Madrid, convinced that Vinicius will not be Ballon d’Or, boycotts the ceremony, according to the club“, confirms AFP. All while Rodri packed his bags in the capital this Monday afternoon. They could weigh a little more on his return to Manchester…