- Vinicius Jr. was the big favorite to win the Ballon d’Or tonight
- But in a shocking development, the striker has reportedly been snapped up by Rodri
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Real Madrid failed to collect an award at tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony after boycotting the show over Vinicius Junior’s shocking criticism.
In an awkward moment at the lavish showpiece event in Paris, Madrid were named Club of the Year after winning both the LaLiga title and the Champions League last season.
But with Vinicius apparently missing out on the top prize due to a major setback, not a single club representative was present to receive the gong.
Instead, the hosts simply congratulated the club before quickly moving on.
Vinicius was the overwhelming favorite to win the Ballon d’Or this year after scoring 24 goals and registering 11 assists during a stellar campaign last time out.
Real Madrid failed to win the Club of the Year award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony
Not a single club representative attended after they chose to boycott the evening
Madrid superstar Vinicius Junior is in danger of losing the main prize to Rodri due to a major twist
But earlier today reports emerged claiming he had been pipped to the top spot by Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who arrived at the ceremony on crutches.
The development angered Madrid and the club’s large delegation, including numerous players and staff, opted to boycott the evening.
RMC reported that Madrid president Florentino Perez was furious about the decision.
Journalist Jose Luis Sanchez claimed that a 50-man party was set to go, but they canceled after discovering that Vinicius would not win.
Sources at the club told ESPN Brazil that the insult was a “historic robbery.”
Marca also reported that Madrid insiders have angrily declared that “the Ballon d’Or no longer exists for us.”
A statement from Madrid to AFP said: ‘If the award criteria do not identify Vinicius as the winner, the same criteria must identify Carvajal as the winner.
Vinicius and Jude Bellingham’s front row seats were spotted without name tags
Manchester City’s Rodri arrived on the red carpet with his girlfriend Laura Iglesias
Bellingham is among the 50-member Madrid party that abruptly canceled their planned trip
Madrid president Florentino Perez is said to be furious at the decision to overlook Vinicius
‘Since this was not the case, it is clear that the Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid will not go where it is not respected.”
In response to Madrid’s boycott, Ballon d’Or organizers said in a statement: “No player and no club yet knows the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or.”
Vinicius and Jude Bellingham were scheduled to take their seats in the front row of the Theater du Chatelet, but their name tags were quickly removed after it was confirmed they would not be attending.
