Recap – what’s happened?
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has reportedly refused to attend tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, as he believes the result is a foregone conclusion.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported no player nor member of the coaching staff or management from Real Madrid will be attend the glitzy ceremony,
Posting on X, Romano shared a post saying: ‘BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.
“No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.”
This shock news comes after it was reportedly leaked that the winner of football’s most glamorous individual prize is Man City’s Rodri, who is currently out of the first team due to an injury.
Who should win?
That’ll be Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr – obviously. It’ll be a major snub to the Brazilian if he misses out (he is reportedly not attending tonight’s ceremony).
Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmati is widely expected to win in the women’s category.
Who will win … who should win?
The smart money is on Man City’s Rodri to lift the Ballon d’Or in Paris tonight – but who should win it?
No Messi or Ronaldo
It is the first time since 2003 that eight-time winner Messi – pictured below in 2023 and 2013 – and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo have not been nominated.
