Real Madrid lay blame on UEFA for Vinicius Junior's Ballon d'Or snub: Reports

Real Madrid reportedly believes Vinicius Junior hasn't been awarded the Ballon d'Or because of UEFA's inclusion. The Brazilian superstar was widely tipped to win the prestigious award but has missed out to Manchester City's Rodri.

Spanish outlet COPE reports that Madrid thinks UEFA is behind the decision, and it's for non-sporting reasons. They point out how City were named UEFA's Team of the Season despite Los Blancos beating them en route to winning the Champions League.

This suggests that Florentino Perez's backing of the European Super League has led to UEFA's mistreatment of Real Madrid. The Spanish champions' president has pushed for the formation of a new competition to mark a new era of football.

UEFA were furious when Super League plans initially commenced in 2021. Fellow European powerhouses such as Barcelona, Manchester United, Liverpool and City pulled out amid mass fan backlash.

Despite controversies between the La Liga giants and UEFA, Real Madrid enjoyed a trophy-laden 2023-24 campaign. They won the Champions League, La Liga title and the Supercopa de Espana.

Vinicius was at the forefront of that success, bagging 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions. He was expected to win the Ballon d'Or at tonight's ceremony in Paris, France.

Yet widespread reports suggest City's Rodri has prevailed, and Madrid will not attend the gala. It's not the first time the France Football award has caused controversy, as there was debate over Lionel Messi beating Erling Haaland last year.

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"Show respect" - Guillem Balague feels Real Madrid's Vinicius should attend Ballon d'Or ceremony

Vinicius is skipping the Ballon d'Or Awards Gala with Real Madrid (Image - Getty)

Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has responded to Vinicius missing out on the Ballon d'Or. He touched on the Brazilian attacker choosing not to attend the Gala in Paris with a post on X:

"Ok, Vini. You haven't won, but you should show respect for the winner, the biggest sign of sportmanship. (Emilio) Butragueno will be the only representative from Real Madrid travelling to Paris today for the Ballon d'Or ceremony."

It's usually customary for those competing for the award to attend the gala. Cristiano Ronaldo missed the ceremony in 2019 after missing out on a podium finish while at Juventus.

Balague suggests Butragueno will be the only representative from Madrid to attend. This means Jude Bellingham, who has reportedly finished third, will also not be at the event in Paris.