Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid will reportedly skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony as a major twist emerges.
On Monday night, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France.
Ahead of the ceremony, the likes of Vinicius, Rodri, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe are all among the favourites to clinch the award.
It was previously speculated that Madrid superstar Vinicius is the firm favourite to be announced as the winner of the prestigious accolade.
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However, just hours before the ceremony is due to begin, there has been a massive twist.
As reported by RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, who wrote on social media: “BREAKING. Vinicius Jr.'s entourage is now convinced that he will not be named Ballon d'Or. Everyone in Madrid has this feeling."
In addition, it has been claimed by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano that Madrid will not attend the ceremony in Paris.
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He wrote on X: “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. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.”
Fabrice Hawkins added: "Real Madrid's directors are furious. They are certain that Vini Jr will not win the Ballon d'Or. The Real delegation remains in Spain.
The trip to Paris is cancelled."
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It has been reported that Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri could be named as the winner of the Ballon d’Or ahead of Vinicius and Bellingham
However, we will not know for sure until the winner is announced tonight during what is billed as a star-studded event in the capital of France.
Speaking previously about the award , Rodri said: “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”
Topics: Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid, Football
Marcus Chan