Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid set to ‘skip Ballon d’Or awards’ as huge twist emerges just hours before ceremony

Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid will reportedly skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony as a major twist emerges.

The winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or will be revealed on Monday night at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris.

Before the event, top contenders like Vinicius, Rodri, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe are being considered for the award.

Vinicius had previously been seen as the leading candidate for this prestigious honor.

However, just hours before the ceremony, there’s been a significant turn of events.

RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins reported on social media that Vinicius Jr.’s team now believes he will not win the Ballon d’Or, and there is a general sentiment in Madrid reflecting this uncertainty.

Additionally, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has stated that Madrid will not be attending the ceremony in Paris.

He posted on X: “BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid believes he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.

“No one from Real Madrid will be at the ceremony—no Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.”

Fabrice Hawkins added that Real Madrid’s directors are outraged and are convinced Vini Jr will not win. The club’s delegation is staying in Spain, and the trip to Paris is off.

Reports suggest Manchester City’s Rodri may be named the Ballon d’Or winner, potentially ahead of Vinicius and Bellingham.

We won’t know for certain until the announcement is made tonight during the highly anticipated event in Paris.

Rodri previously commented on the award, stating: “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”