Real Madrid has taken a bold stand, choosing to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
This dramatic move follows the revelation that Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr., widely expected to be a frontrunner, will miss out on the prestigious award.
The club expressed its anger, accusing the Ballon d’Or organizers and UEFA of disrespecting them.
Vinicius was among six Real Madrid stars nominated this year.
Alongside him were other star players like Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Federico Valverde, Kylian Mbappe, and Antonio Rudiger.
Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez, manager Carlo Ancelotti, and the nominated players all plan to skip the ceremony.
In a statement Real Madrid declared, “If the award criteria doesn’t select Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should choose Carvajal.”
The club firmly added, “Since this was not the case, it’s clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Real Madrid’s frustration runs deep.
The club sees the snub of Vinicius and its other players as an affront to their efforts and achievements over the past season.
They are especially outraged given the club’s recent success in La Liga and the Champions League.
In response to the snub, Real Madrid has unleashed a wave of criticism against the Ballon d’Or organizers.
Rodri, the Spanish midfielder playing for Manchester City, is reportedly set to take home the award.
Real Madrid, however, insists that Carvajal should have been given top honors if international success was a deciding factor.
Rodri’s remarkable performance in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and his contributions to Manchester City’s Premier League victory were instrumental in his win.
The player was named the tournament’s best in the Euro 2024 competition, further strengthening his case for the Ballon d’Or.
Dani Carvajal, however, also played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 journey.
Real Madrid argues that Carvajal’s dual achievements—winning the Champions League and playing a central role in the Spanish national team—should place him above Rodri.
Vinicius, on the other hand, faced disappointment on the international stage, as Brazil failed to claim the Copa America.
Despite his exceptional performance in Europe, Real Madrid feels his achievements have been unfairly overlooked.
The Ballon d’Or is decided by a panel of journalists from FIFA’s top 100 ranked countries.
With 12 Ballon d’Or wins, Real Madrid and Barcelona are tied as the clubs with the most awards.
Vinicius Jr. is recognized as one of Real Madrid’s brightest stars.
His electrifying performances have earned him a devoted fan base and made him a symbol of Real Madrid’s future.
However, Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony is unprecedented.
This marks a significant rift between the club and UEFA, as well as the Ballon d’Or’s organizers.
In an era where awards play a major role in a player’s legacy, the Ballon d’Or remains the most coveted prize for footballers.
In Real Madrid’s view, the decision to favor Rodri over Vinicius represents a major betrayal.
The club’s decision has sparked debates across the football world.
The choice between Rodri’s national success and Vinicius’s club achievements has fans divided.
Critics argue that Real Madrid’s boycott is an overreaction, while supporters see it as a justified protest.
Vinicius Jr. himself has chosen not to attend the ceremony.
Instead, he issued a statement expressing pride in his performance and gratitude to Real Madrid’s fans.
He remains hopeful that his day will come.
“Success is a journey,” Vinicius said in a message to his followers. “This award doesn’t define me, but my passion and commitment to Real Madrid do.”