The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, one of the most prestigious events in soccer, is set to take place tonight in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet. However, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, a leading favorite for this year’s award, will not be in attendance. Sources indicate that Vinícius, along with several Real Madrid teammates, has chosen to skip the event after rumors circulated that the Manchester City midfielder Rodri would take home the top honor instead.
Real Madrid’s decision to boycott reflects the club’s dissatisfaction with the expected outcome. The Brazilian forward, who played a vital role in leading Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season, was widely regarded as a natural contender for the award. Scoring 15 goals in LaLiga and six more in the Champions League, including key goals in both the semifinals and final, Vinícius has been seen by many as deserving of the Ballon d’Or, making him the first Brazilian to potentially win it since Kaká in 2007.
Madrid’s frustration grew after reports that the winner had been “leaked,” with claims that Rodri, who was essential to both Manchester City’s Premier League title and Spain’s victory at the 2024 European Championship, would ultimately win. In response, Real Madrid players Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, and coach Carlo Ancelotti, as well as nominees Andriy Lunin (best goalkeeper) and Arda Güler (Kopa Trophy for young players), also opted out of the ceremony.
While speculation of a “leaked” winner gained momentum, Ballon d’Or executive Marc Las publicly denied these rumors, calling those spreading such reports “liars” and asserting that only he and the chief of France Football know the winner. “Only two people know the winner, me and the chief of France Football. Anyone who says they know the winner or have a list is a liar,” Las stated to L’Equipe.
Despite the ongoing controversy, the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony will continue as scheduled. The awards recognize the year’s best male and female players, with Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati heavily favored to win on the women’s side. Soccer fans worldwide can tune in via Paramount+ and the CBS Golazo Network in the U.S. or through L’Equipe’s YouTube channel for international viewers, where the ceremony is set to begin at 3:45 p.m. ET, featuring red carpet festivities and interviews.
The Ballon d’Or has long been a coveted award, frequently dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the last decade and a half. In fact, only Luka Modric and Karim Benzema have broken their hold on the prize in the past 15 years, making Vinícius’ candidacy all the more meaningful for Real Madrid supporters. If he were to win, it would mark a historic moment not just for the club but also for Brazil.
For now, fans are left wondering if the rumored result will prove accurate or if the ceremony will deliver a surprising twist.