Wed Oct 30 03:19:22 UTC 2024: ## Real Madrid Boycotts Ballon d’Or Ceremony in Protest of Vinicius Snub

**Paris, France** – The prestigious Ballon d’Or awards ceremony in Paris was marred by controversy as Real Madrid players and officials boycotted the event in protest of the decision to award the men’s award to Manchester City’s Rodri, instead of their own star forward, Vinicius Jr.

Rodri, a key player in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and Spain’s European Championship victory, won the award for the first time, defeating Vinicius, who was widely considered the favorite. The Spanish midfielder was visibly emotional as he accepted the award, citing his dedication to constant improvement.

Real Madrid’s absence at the ceremony was a clear statement of their displeasure. The club, along with their players, took to social media to express their disappointment. Vinicius, in a message translated from Portuguese, declared, “I’ll do it 10x if needed. They are not ready.” Former Madrid star Karim Benzema, the 2022 Ballon d’Or winner, also voiced his support for Vinicius, simply stating “Trop Fort” (Too Strong) on Instagram.

Midfielder Eduardo Camavinga called the result “football politics,” adding, “My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise.”

The controversy overshadowed the other awards, including the women’s Ballon d’Or, which was awarded to Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati for the second consecutive year.

Other highlights included the Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player, won by Lamine Yamal, the Gerd Mueller Trophy for most club and country goals, shared by Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, and the Lev Yashin Award for best goalkeeper, retained by Argentina’s Emiliano Martinez.

The night was also marked by several special awards, including the Johan Cruyff Award for best coaches, presented to Carlo Ancelotti and Emma Hayes, and the Socrates award for humanitarian work, given to Jenni Hermoso.

Despite the controversy surrounding the men’s Ballon d’Or, the ceremony was ultimately a celebration of the best footballers in the world. However, Real Madrid’s boycott will undoubtedly continue to be a hot topic of discussion in the football world.

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