According to Spanish newspaper As, after learning that Rodri will win the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid decided not to attend the award ceremony.
The Spanish media reported that Real Madrid is truly feeling aggrieved and has canceled their trip to the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The club stated, “It seems that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA lack respect for Real Madrid!”
This news has left the entire Real Madrid team both surprised and angry. It’s important to note that this year’s Ballon d’Or selection process was different from previous years; there were no leaks in advance, and it wasn’t until the last few hours that rumors began to circulate. What was most shocking was that Vinícius was not the winner of the Ballon d’Or; instead, the award went to Rodri. This left Real Madrid extremely dissatisfied, leading them to decide on a collective boycott. Vinícius’ team has also been informed, and apart from the club’s communications manager, Emilio Butragueño, no one else from Real Madrid will attend.
An insider at the club revealed, “If by these standards Vinícius doesn’t win, then by the same standards, Carvajal should have won. Since this is not the case, it appears that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA are indeed disrespectful to Real Madrid, and we will not go anywhere that disrespects us.”
Real Madrid is deeply hurt but remains resolute. Vinícius and his team are completely baffled by this outcome and believe that there must be factors beyond football involved, hence their decision to boycott the ceremony.
The Spanish media reported that Vinícius himself initiated the “no-show movement” and received unanimous support from his teammates. A private jet was originally scheduled to depart around 2 PM, carrying players, coaches, club officials, and their families to Paris. However, just minutes before takeoff, all arrangements were urgently called off upon learning that Vinícius would not receive the Ballon d’Or.
