On Monday, the Ballon d’Or award organizers claimed that “no player or club” knows who won the trophy, in response to Real Madrid’s intention to boycott the event because they believe Vinicius will not win. “All the clubs and players are in the same boat,” a Ballon d’Or source told AFP, citing the severe confidentiality requirements imposed for the 2024 edition.

Real Madrid has announced that it will not attend the Ballon d’Or presentation in Paris on Monday because it believes its striker Vinicius, the frontrunner to win the men’s award, has been overlooked. The club told AFP that it questioned the processes used to choose the Ballon d’Or winner, claiming that another of the thirty individuals nominated, defender Dani Carvajal, had been unfairly missed. 

“Because this was not the case, it is apparent that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not regard Real Madrid. Real Madrid will not go where it is not appreciated.” To avoid press leaks, the Ballon d’Or organizers decided to do something new this year: they kept the finalist’s identity sealed until the conclusion. In past years, the winner was announced a few days before the awards presentation.

All of the finalists were invited to the celebration in Paris this evening.

The Real players’ absences and the club’s proclamation indicate that neither Vinicius, Carvajal, or Jude Bellingham, the design team of the club’s European championship, will win the trophy.

This might smooth the way for Manchester City players Spanish midfielder defender Rodri, who won Euro 2024 and was awarded as the tournament’s best player by UEFA. The Ballon d’Or is awarded by a panel of journalists from the top 100 FIFA nations.