Sports analyst Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Vinicius Junior will not be travelling to Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony, as Real Madrid is certain he won’t win the prestigious award.
“No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham,” Romano stated, confirming the club’s decision to boycott the event.
Vinicius Jr. had been listed among elite nominees, including Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham. Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, after the team’s impressive comeback win against Borussia Dortmund, had even confidently predicted Vinicius as a strong contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or. “Vinicius Jr will win the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion. He will get the award,” Ancelotti had stated.
🚨⚠️ Not even one representative of Real Madrid is expected to travel to Paris tonight.
This is club’s decision after Vinicius Jr was made aware that he will not win the Ballon d’Or, as @FabriceHawkins said. pic.twitter.com/zRXmfam9H1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024
Vinicius, a standout for Real Madrid in the past season, was seen as a favorite for his contributions to their La Liga, Champions League, and Spanish Super Cup titles. His season highlights include a hat-trick in the Spanish Super Cup final, 15 goals in La Liga, and six goals in the Champions League, with one scored in the final against Borussia Dortmund.
🔵✨ Rodri arrives for Ballon d’Or ceremony, via @AranchaMOBILE. 🎥pic.twitter.com/fHkJcHcPnA
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024
However, Manchester City’s Rodri is now widely expected to take home the 2024 Ballon d’Or, following his instrumental role in City’s Premier League victory, UEFA Super Cup win, and Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. Rodri has already arrived at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, where the ceremony is set to begin at 7:45 pm GMT / 3:45 pm ET.
