"Football is for everyone not just Real Madrid" - Football world reacts as Los Blancos boycott Ballon d'Or ceremony after Vinicius Jr snub

The football world has reacted to Real Madrid skipping the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris on Monday (October 28) after Vinicius Junior lost out on the coveted award to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Los Blancos decided to boycott the award ceremony in the French capital after it reportedly emerged that Vinicius wasn't going to win the Ballon d'Or, a decision that apparently came from boss Carlo Ancelotti. The club said in a statement (via Sky Sports):

"Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

However, the football world didn't react enthusiastically to that, with former player Jan Aage Fjortoft tweeting:

"My opinion: That's lack of style if Real Madrid have cancelled their trip"

La Liga president Javier Tebas was also critical of Los Blancos' decision to quit the Ballon d'Or ceremony (via Madrid Zone):

"Real Madrid should've went to the Ballon d'Or gala, and not question France Football's system. The club's self-victimisation is unnecessary and exaggerated. I don't know what they're doing. This lack of class of their's, we're seeing it in Spain too"

Retired Argentina striker Sergio Aguero said (as per Mirror Football via CentreGoals):

"Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the world. Football is for everyone, not just Real Madrid - they are so entitled..."

There were similar reactions from others, with Rodri's Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola saying (as per Sky Sports News):

"We are not here to judge what the other clubs have to do."

France Football chief editor Vincent Garcia said (as per City Chief):

“Real Madrid put pressure on me to know if Vini won, and maybe my silence made them think Viní lost, so they didnt show up. I'm unpleasantly surprised, but I dont wanna spend the night talking about it, I want to talk about our winner, Rodri."

Rodri's win marked the first time since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 that a Premier League player won the Ballon d'Or.

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How 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up Vinicius Junior fared for Real Madrid last season

Los Blancos attacker Vinicius Junior

Los Blancos attacker Vinicius Junior had an impressive 2023-24 season for the club despite missing a few games due to injury. The 24-year-old contributed 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.

Vinicius' exploits helped Los Blancos win their second La Liga-UEFA Champions League double in three years, with the Brazilian scoring in the 2-0 Champions League final win over Borussia Dortmund.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or runner-up also scored thrice in two games as Carlo Ancelotti's side won the Supercopa Espana, beating arch-rivals Barcelona 4-1 in the final in January this year.