Mon Oct 28 19:30:00 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid Boycotts Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Protest of Vinícius Júnior Snub
**Paris, France** – In a dramatic turn of events, Real Madrid players and staff have boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest of the decision to award the prestigious prize to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
Sources close to the club have confirmed that Vinícius Júnior, who was considered a leading contender for the 2024 award, will not be attending the event along with his Real Madrid teammates. The club feels the decision to award Rodri the prize is “unfair” and a “historic robbery,” citing Vinícius’s impressive performances last season, including leading Madrid to a La Liga and Champions League double.
The Brazilian forward had been widely tipped to win the award, with his manager Carlo Ancelotti stating last week, “I think he’ll win it.” Had he won, Vinícius would have become the first Brazilian to win the men’s Ballon d’Or since Kaká in 2007.
The decision to boycott the ceremony is a clear indication of the club’s disappointment and frustration with the decision. While Rodri played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League title win and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, the club feels Vinícius’s contributions to Real Madrid’s success in the Champions League and La Liga were more deserving of the award.
This decision is sure to spark further debate about the criteria used to determine the Ballon d’Or winner and the impact of individual performances versus team achievements.
First Piper 