Real Madrid has decided to withdraw its delegation from the Ballon d'Or ceremony following reports that Vinicius Junior is not expected to win the prestigious award. The club's management learned that Manchester City's Rodri is the likely recipient, prompting them to cancel their attendance at the event scheduled for tonight in Paris. This decision came after assessing the situation, which indicated that Vinicius, a leading contender due to his outstanding performance last season, would not receive the honor.
The club's reaction highlights its disappointment, especially considering that Vinicius was in contention to become the first Brazilian player to win the Ballon d'Or since Kaka in 2007. During the evaluation period from August 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024, Vinicius played a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure both La Liga and the Champions League titles. In contrast, Rodri's contributions included winning the Premier League title with Manchester City and being named the Most Outstanding Player at Euro 2024, where he also helped Spain clinch the championship.
Real Madrid's withdrawal from the ceremony is particularly striking given that the club has 11 nominees across various categories, showcasing its significant presence at the event. Alongside Vinicius, other notable players such as Jude Bellingham, Dani Carbajal, Toni Kroos, Kylian Mbappé, and Antonio Rudiger are also among the nominees. In light of their decision, Real Madrid expressed that the Ballon d'Or lacks respect for the club and its achievements, reinforcing their stance by stating they will not attend an event where they feel unappreciated.
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