Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid boycott Ballon d'Or ceremony after discovering result

Vinicius Junior's entourage believes the Real Madrid star will noticeably miss the Ballon d'Or tonight. The Brazilian winger and officials from his Spanish club would be absent from the ceremony.

Vinicius was the early favorite to win the award given to the best player in the world. He was one of several world-class stars named on a 30-man shortlist.

However, French site RMC Sport reports that Real have learned that the 24-year-old will not win the Ballon d'Or. The report claims that the La Liga giants' bosses are 'furious' and have decided not to travel to Paris for tonight's party.

The club's delegation will remain in Spain alongside other Los Blancos stars nominated for the award, including England star Jude Bellingham. Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos (now retired), Kylian Mbappe, Antonio Rudiger and Federico Valverde were also shortlisted.

The Independent reports that Vinicius himself was convinced he would win the Ballon d'Or. The report goes on to say that news spread last night that he was set to miss the event.

Voting for the Ballon d'Or takes place among a selection of journalists representing the top 100 countries in the FIFA world rankings. It is unclear who will now win the award, with Real believing that Vinicius was not chosen as the best player in the world.

According to Spanish publication Marca, Rodri has become one of the main contenders for the trophy. The Manchester City midfielder has had a remarkable 12 months with the Premier League club and their Spanish national team.

Rodri could finally see his hugely influential performances for City and Spain rewarded. He helped Pep Guardiola's side win the Premier League last season, winning four consecutive league titles. This summer, the 28-year-old helped Spain win Euro 2024, where La Roja beat England in the final.

City suffered a major blow to their chances of winning the Premier League and Champions League when Rodri suffered an ACL and meniscus injury in September. He will probably miss the rest of the season, Pep Guardiola revealed at the time.

This came just days after Rodri complained that an expanding match schedule was causing more serious injuries. When asked if the players could strike, Rodri replied: “I think we are close to it. If it continues like this, there will be a point where we won't have any other choice, but let's see.

Other Premier League-based Ballon d'Or nominees include Erling Haaland, Phil Foden, Ruben Dias, Emiliano Martinez, Martin Odegaard, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Bukayo Saka. England captain Harry Kane could also have a chance.