Following the announcement of Manchester City and Spain playmaker Rodri as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Real Madrid did not find it pleasing. The Spanish side boycotted the award ceremony as none of their players was in the ceremony.
It was gathered that the award info leaked before the time of the announcement and since they saw that their boy Vini was not the winner they did not attend the event. The ceremony was held in France and even though they looked promising to grab some of the awards there, they decided not to attend it.
Real Madrid had earlier said if Rodri is to be picked over Vinicius Jr because of country’s achievement then their right-back Dani Carvajal should also be considered. Many have termed their action disrespectful but they are not the first to do so.
A few years ago, France and Bayern Munich star Frank Ribery was supposed to be named the Ballon d’Or winner but Ronaldo won it. The same thing happened when Lewandowski was to win the award but it was given to Messi. After that incident, the club decided that they will not be attending the award again as they don’t trust it.
Real Madrid said their representatives would not go where Real are “not respected.” Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Kylian Mbappe both won individual awards but none of them was present for the award.
Spain international Rodri won the award ahead of Vinicius and Real Madrid team-mate Jude Bellingham. After Rodri was confirmed as the winner, Vini posted on his X account saying: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”
Real statement says: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.” “As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Possible Reason Why Madrid Star Vinicius Failed to Win the Ballon d’Or Award
The organizers however said, no club knew who was going to win the award and that they were shocked Real acted that way. One of the organizers Garcia said: “No-one knew at Real or at City.” “The emotion that Rodri had on stage, that is the best answer. He was not aware of anything.”
He also said: “I had a lot of pressure from Real Madrid but, as with other clubs, I was always clear and fair. Maybe my silence made them change their minds.” he gave a reason for which could have made Vini loss the award.
He said: “It was a close victory, it wasn’t decided by much.” “Vinicius probably suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, it took away a few points.”
“They have decided not to come and we have to accept that. I am focusing on my club. I will go and celebrate this award with them.” Rodri is the first English Premier League-based player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
