Will Vinicius return empty-handed? Real Madrid angrily boycotts Ballon d'Or

The Ballon d'Or will be awarded in Paris on Monday night. Vinicius Junior was previously considered one of the favorites for the award. He may not show up now. Like all the representatives of his club.

Are the results of the Ballon d'Or already known? At least it's clear who wins and who loses. At least that's what various media outlets are saying – and it's surprising.

Because according to rumors, the award was not awarded to one of the most popular players: Vinicius Júnior from Real Madrid. The Brazilian will not travel to Paris as Real Madrid should already know the results of the awards ceremony, which will take place on Monday evening. Just like other representatives of the defending Champions League champions.

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez quickly canceled the flight of the 50-strong delegation to Paris.Image: trapezoid

That means: Coach Carlo Ancelotti, superstar Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger, Federico Valve De and Andrei Lunin, both of whom were nominated for the award, while President Florentino Pérez was not present. Clubs are apparently boycotting the tournament – because no player, especially favorite Vinicius Junior, didn't win?

Apparently that does seem to be the reason. The initial reaction from Ballon d'Or organizers was to deny that the winners had been notified. “Neither the players nor the clubs know who won the Ballon d'Or,” it said. Despite this, Real Madrid canceled a special flight to Paris scheduled for 3pm. A planned five-hour special program on the in-house TV channel was also temporarily cancelled.

That assumption was largely conclusively confirmed in a club statement obtained by AFP. The statement read: “It is clear that Real Madrid were not respected at the Ballon d'Or. Real Madrid will not go anywhere where they are not respected.” It was further said: “If the award criteria do not list Vinicius as the winner, then the same The criteria should also classify Carvajal as the winner.”

Dani Carvajal scored a goal in the Champions League final and later became European champion.Image: trapezoid

A source within the club told Marca: “The Ballon d'Or is no longer a thing for us.” Apparently those in charge around president Florentino Perez believe European football association UEFA Lian is the mastermind behind this decision.

Real Madrid confidently won the Spanish title last season. But even more impressive: Real won the Champions League again – for the sixth time in the last eleven years.

Vinicius Junior, who played a decisive role in the eventual win over Borussia Dortmund (2-0) at Wembley in June, made the initial decision. Still, the offensive artist had a world-class season. In 39 games for Real Madrid, Vinicius Junior scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists. The 24-year-old has now become an integral part of his club.

Rodri is the favorite now

If not Vinicius Junior, who should win? It is now almost certain that Manchester City star Rodri will receive the honour. The Spaniard is currently sidelined with a torn cruciate ligament but once again won the Premier League title with the club last season. This summer, the 28-year-old led the national team to victory at the European Championships in Germany.

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