Real Madrid issue harsh statement on Ballon d'Or after boycott over Vinicius Jr decision

Real Madrid have expressed their disappointment at the decision to overlook Vinicius Jr for the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

The Spanish giants had high hopes that one of their star players would land the prestigious award. However, leaked information suggests that Vinicius was pipped to the Ballon d'Or by Rodri, another contender for the accolade.

Therefore, Los Blancos chose to boycott the ceremony in Paris, in the absence of club staff. Vinicius was one of six Real nominees on the list of 30 players shortlisted for the award, a testament to the club's triumphs in La Liga and the Champions League.

Vinicius, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger were all Ballon d'Or contenders, but none of the six featured in France. Neither manager Carlo Ancelotti nor president Florentino Perez, with the club targeting the organizers.

Madrid told AFP: “If the award criteria do not give Vinicius as the winner, then these same criteria should name Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that the Ballon d'Or -UEFA does it. I don't respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid doesn't go where it's not respected.

Rodri's victory can largely be attributed to his pivotal role in Spain's success at Euro 2024. The Manchester City ace, who also added another Premier League title to his tally, was named the best player of the tournament. However, Carvajal was also a key member of the victorious Spanish team.

Real Madrid believe his involvement, along with his Champions League victory, should put him ahead of Rodri if international success is the main criterion. Vinicius was unable to add the Copa America to his European triumphs as Brazil fell short.

The Ballon d'Or is determined by a panel of journalists from the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings. Real Madrid share the record for the most wins in the history of the award, with 12 victories, as do their Spanish rivals Barcelona.

Their last winner was Karim Benzema, who won the award in 2022. Since the start of the new millennium, they have also seen Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro and Ronaldo lift this prestigious award.

On the other hand, Rodri is set to become the first Premier League player to win this award since Ronaldo in 2008. He is also expected to be the first Spaniard to win in over 60 years, along with his national manager, Luis de la Fuente , designating him as the most deserving candidate.