Mon Oct 28 21:42:33 UTC 2024: ## Rodri Favored to Win Ballon d’Or, Snatching Award From Vinícius Júnior

**Paris, France** – In a stunning turn of events, Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri is now the frontrunner to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the most prestigious individual award in soccer. This comes as a surprise to many, as Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior had been widely considered the favorite.

According to reports from The Athletic, Real Madrid is aware that Vinícius Júnior will not win the award and has decided to forgo attending the ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, as well as manager Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Pérez, are also expected to be absent. ESPN has confirmed that Vinícius Júnior himself will not be attending the event.

The Brazilian forward had a strong claim to the award, playing a key role in Real Madrid’s triumphs in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup. He scored a hat trick in the Super Cup final, tallied 15 La Liga goals, and added six goals in the Champions League, including one in the final against Borussia Dortmund.

Rodri, however, has made a powerful case for himself. The midfielder was instrumental in Manchester City’s Premier League title win, contributing 17 goals and assists. He also helped the Citizens win the UEFA Super Cup and played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.

The unexpected shift in favor of Rodri has sent shockwaves through the soccer world, leaving many to wonder if he will be able to capitalize on this momentum and claim the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy.

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