Official UEFA press releases or statements

Real Madrid Boycotts Ballon d'Or Ceremony, Rodri Expected Winner Over Vinicius Junior

Oct 28, 2024, 02:45 PM

Real Madrid has decided to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, following reports that Vinicius Junior will not win the prestigious award. Instead, Manchester City's Rodri is expected to be announced as the winner. Sources within Real Madrid and Vinicius' entourage confirmed that the Brazilian forward will not attend the event. The club, feeling disrespected, has canceled the trip for their entire delegation, including President Florentino Pérez, Carlo Ancelotti, and other key figures. Real Madrid believes that the decision was influenced by UEFA, citing non-football reasons. The club also expressed that if Vinicius was not to win, Dani Carvajal should have been considered instead. This move comes amid growing tensions between Real Madrid and UEFA, particularly over the Super League controversy. Additionally, Real Madrid TV has canceled their coverage of the event, and 50 people from the club were originally scheduled to attend.