Why Real Madrid has decided to boycott Ballon d’Or ceremony

Real Madrid are reportedly unhappy with the news that their star forward Vinicius Junior will not win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, this is why the club has decided to boycott the award ceremony entirely.

Vinicius was widely expected to claim this year’s award after a stellar season, where he played a key role in Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League and LaLiga campaigns.

However, recent reports indicate that the Brazilian will not be named the Ballon d’Or winner, contrary to previous rumours.

Earlier leaks had suggested that Vinicius would beat Manchester City’s Rodri and Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham to win the award. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti even expressed confidence in Vinicius’s chances, especially after his standout performance in the Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund.

In response to the news, Real Madrid’s delegation, including Vinicius, Bellingham, Ancelotti, and club president Florentino Pérez, have decided not to attend the ceremony in Paris.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid’s absence reflects their frustration over Vinicius missing out on what they feel was a deserved honour.

“BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or. No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony,” Fabrizio Romano tweeted.

The club believes that Vinicius’s omission from the award, despite his significant contributions last season, is unjust. His impressive form was instrumental in Madrid’s domestic and European successes, and the snub has only deepened the club’s dissatisfaction with the outcome of the Ballon d’Or selection.

Madrid fans now await the club’s response on the pitch, as Vinicius and his teammates focus on their upcoming matches while putting the Ballon d’Or disappointment behind them.