Mon Oct 28 18:23:26 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid Boycotts Ballon d’Or Ceremony as Rodri Expected to Win
**Paris, France** – In a stunning turn of events, Real Madrid has announced it will not attend the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, with reports suggesting Manchester City midfielder Rodri is now the frontrunner to win the prestigious award.
Despite Vinícius Júnior’s stellar performances for Real Madrid, which included securing La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup titles, sources reveal he is unlikely to win the coveted award. Rodri, who was instrumental in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, is now favored to take home the trophy.
An unconfirmed list of points suggests Vinícius leads with 630 points, though he trails the highest historical totals. Rodri sits second with 576 points, followed by Jude Bellingham with 422.
The news of Real Madrid’s boycott comes as a surprise, as typically Ballon d’Or winners are informed ahead of time. However, this year, no pre-event interview or photoshoot has been arranged, signaling a departure from tradition.
The absence of Real Madrid players, including Vinícius, Bellingham, Carvajal, and coach Carlo Ancelotti, will be noticeable at the ceremony. The club’s president, Florentino Pérez, is also expected to skip the event.
If Vinícius were to win, he would be the first Ballon d’Or recipient born in the 21st century, breaking a longstanding trend dominated by players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. However, the current situation suggests this milestone will have to wait another year.
First Piper 