Drama erupted at the 2024 Ballon d’Or gala as Rodri took home the trophy over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior, shocking fans and sparking widespread reactions.
Real Madrid had reportedly been confident that Vinicius would clinch the prestigious award, with strong support from fans and notable figures across football. However, in a close final vote, Rodri emerged as the winner, leading to a protest from Real Madrid.
The club chose to boycott the event entirely, with neither their six nominees nor any club officials traveling to Paris—a clear display of dissatisfaction with the event’s organizers, France Football.
Real Madrid’s Frustration with UEFA
According to Madrid Universal, Real Madrid blames UEFA for Vinicius’ unexpected loss.
The club, which has been at odds with UEFA over its backing of the European Super League, suspects UEFA’s influence on the Ballon d’Or outcome.
For the first time since the award’s inception in 1956, UEFA collaborated with France Football on the Ballon d’Or selection, fueling Real Madrid’s belief that UEFA swayed the decision in Rodri’s favor.
Real Madrid also argued that, based on the criteria used, defender Dani Carvajal could have been considered over Rodri, emphasizing their frustration with the process.
Silence from Bellingham and Mbappe on Vinicius’ Snub
Surprisingly, neither Jude Bellingham nor Kylian Mbappe—close allies of Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid—commented on the Ballon d’Or outcome, reported TUKO.co.ke. Their silence has raised eyebrows, especially as several other players voiced their support for Vinicius.
### Rodri’s Financial Reward (or Lack Thereof)
TUKO.co.ke also noted that, despite the Ballon d’Or’s prestige, it doesn’t come with a monetary prize. Instead, Rodri will take home only the trophy, making it an honor-driven rather than a financially incentivized award.
Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the event underscores their disappointment and strengthens the ongoing tensions between the club and UEFA.
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