Real Madrid to skip Ballon d'Or gala as Vinicius Jr unlikely to win award - Reports

Real Madrid have reportedly decided not to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony because Rodri has beaten Vinicius Junior to the award. The Brazilian superstar was hotly-tipped to claim the France Football award in Paris tonight (October 28).

E Chiringuito TV's Jose Luis Sanchez reports Vinicius missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Rodri. Los Blancos are skipping the gala, seemingly in response to the decision.

Vinicius, 24, enjoyed a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Real Madrid, helping them win the La Liga title, the Supercopa de Espana and the Copa del Rey. He registered 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.

The football world expected him to win the Ballon d'Or, especially after he struck in Madrid's 2-1 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. Carlo Ancelotti spoke recently about the Brazil international's chances (via TNT Sports):

"Vinicius is going to win [the Ballon d’Or], not for what he did tonight, but for what he did last year."

A disappointing Copa America campaign with Brazil may have sent the award to Rodri. The Manchester City midfielder was instrumental in the Cityzens' Premier League title triumph last season. He made 50 appearances across competitions, scoring nine goals and providing 14 assists from a defensive midfield position.

Rodri was also Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024 as Spain prevailed in Germany. He appeared in all but one of his nation's six games in Germany.

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Real Madrid duo Vinicius and Jude Bellingham make Ballon d'Or top 3

Jude Bellingham joins his Real Madrid teammate on the podium (Image - Getty)

The aforementioned source has dropped the supposed podium ranking of this year's Ballon d'Or award. Rodri finishes in first place ahead of Vinicius, who finishes second.

Jude Bellingham placed third after a remarkable debut season at Real Madrid. The English midfielder arrived from Dortmund in the summer of 2023 for €113 million.

The 21-year-old bagged 23 goals and 13 assists in 42 games across competitions. He spearheaded Los Blancos' attack in a No.10 role and also flourished for England over the past year.

Bellingham helped the Three Lions to a runner-up finish at Euro 2024. He scored a crucial overhead kick in a 2-1 comeback win (a.e.t) against Slovakia in the Round of 16.

There were suggestions former Real Madrid playmaker Toni Kroos could make the top three. The German retired in the summer and ended his career with more silverware and records to his name.