The Ballon d'Or ceremony will take place next week. (Image: Getty)
Manchester City ace Rodri has reportedly been snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after the result of next week's ceremony was leaked.
Rodri was among the favorites on the 30-man shortlist, which included 10 Premier League players.
Alongside Rodri, Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Declan Rice were all in the running for the award.
But according to reports in Spain, the Ballon d'Or will return to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Spanish outlet AS claims there is a “strong feeling” at Real Madrid that Vinicius Junior will win his first ever Ballon d'Or after an impressive individual campaign.
During the 2023/24 season, which is the period to decide the winner of the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius scored 24 goals in all competitions and provided 11 assists as Los Blancos won La Liga and the Champions League.
Vinicius also scored Real Madrid's second goal in the 2024 Champions League final – a goal which should cement his claim to this year's prize.
But the pendulum seemed to swing over the summer, when Rodri, who had just weeks earlier helped inspire City to their fourth successive Premier League title, shone for Spain en route to their Euro triumph 2024.
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Vinicius Junior scored for Real Madrid in the Champions League final. (Image: Getty)
Despite being injured midway through the final against England, Rodri was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for his exploits in Germany.
This has seen Rodri's Ballon d'Or chances shortened, with Pep Guardiola among those targeting the ex-Atletico Madrid star.
Regarding Rodri's credentials, manager Guardiola said earlier this year: “When I saw Spain, I saw him and he was at the level he had been playing at for many years. His consistency was good. Rodri , Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]…they were together [for Spain at Euro 2024] and I'm happy for them.
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“There are a few candidates for the Ballon d’Or. [From] Real Madrid, Manchester City… I can't deny how happy he would be.
“To take part in the race is fantastic for him, his family, his friends and of course for Manchester City. We are so proud.
Rodri was less confident when questioned, admitting that it was a source of pride just to be part of the conversation.
Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: “It's great to be there with these players. It's great that people appreciate your performance and your talent.
“For me, what people say about me is already a victory, the recognition that I have. It's not something that motivated me, individual rewards. It's just a consequence of the work. But I think it would be great for my country.
The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be officially confirmed in Paris on Monday October 28.
Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1964569/ballon-dor-result-vini-junior-rodri-premier-league