Vincent Garcia, the editor-in-chief of France Football, recently disclosed how Vinicius Junior’s bid for the 2024 Ballon d’Or was inadvertently hindered by his own Real Madrid teammates, paving the way for Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri to claim the prestigious honor. Rodri, known for his pivotal role in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, was awarded the Ballon d’Or on Monday night at a glittering ceremony in Paris. However, the evening’s excitement was clouded by drama and controversy, especially surrounding Real Madrid’s response to the award results.
Ahead of the ceremony, Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior was widely believed to be a strong favorite for the Ballon d’Or, especially after a leaked list suggested he would edge out Rodri for the top honor. Vinicius’s impressive performance throughout the season, highlighted by key goals and assists, seemed to place him in prime position to win. Yet, as news emerged that Rodri had secured the trophy, Real Madrid made the unprecedented decision to withdraw their delegation from the event entirely. Los Blancos later issued a statement indicating their refusal to attend a ceremony where they felt they were “not respected.”
Explaining the unexpected twist, Garcia noted that the split vote for Real Madrid players significantly impacted Vinicius’s chances. Both Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal placed in the Ballon d’Or’s top four, with Bellingham’s breakout season and Carvajal’s consistency further elevating Real Madrid’s reputation. According to Garcia, the high rankings of multiple Madrid players split the votes, allowing Rodri to pull ahead. “Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took some points away from him,” Garcia told *L’Equipe* television. “This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players and the juries distributed their decisions among them, which benefited Rodri.”
The Ballon d’Or winner is selected by a vote from 100 journalists, each representing one of FIFA’s top 100 member nations. This voting process, combined with the caliber of Real Madrid’s players, ultimately swayed the outcome in Rodri’s favor. Garcia clarified that neither Real Madrid nor Manchester City knew the results before the ceremony, stating, “What I can guarantee is that no one at Real Madrid or at Manchester City was aware.”
Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony sent shockwaves through the football community. Garcia admitted that he was “unpleasantly surprised” by their absence, noting that the club’s decision was unexpected given their prior communication. “Maybe they (Madrid) had a feeling, a strong feeling. Perhaps the Clasico (the 4-0 defeat by Barcelona) didn’t help,” Garcia speculated. “At the time that Real Madrid took its decision, I’m not sure that they knew 100% that Vinicius hadn’t won the Ballon d’Or. I was very unpleasantly surprised by its absence.”
This year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony differed from previous years in that the winner was not pre-notified, a decision aimed at maintaining suspense and fairness across the board. According to Garcia, this rule change was communicated to all clubs involved, but Real Madrid seemed dissatisfied with the decision. “We were very clear with them and with all the other clubs,” Garcia explained. “This year, the winner was not going to be notified. I thought everyone had agreed, but at the last moment, I don’t know why, they wanted to change the rule.”
Despite Vinicius missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid still managed to make their mark on the awards. The club was named “Club of the Year,” and Carlo Ancelotti, their celebrated manager, took home the “Men’s Coach of the Year” award, recognizing his achievements and leadership. Ancelotti’s influence on the team has been monumental, having led Madrid to notable victories, including the Champions League triumph in recent seasons. These accolades, however, were overshadowed by the absence of Madrid’s delegation, who, had they attended, would have represented a club renowned for its rich history and elite players.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win cements his place among the elite in world football. His role in Manchester City’s success cannot be understated; he scored the winning goal in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan, securing the club’s first-ever title in Europe’s top-tier competition. Rodri’s consistent and commanding presence in midfield has made him a standout player not only for City but also for the Spanish national team, where he helped Spain clinch the UEFA Nations League title. His ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with his defensive and offensive contributions, made him a deserving candidate in the eyes of many voters.
For Vinicius, the split vote with his Madrid teammates will be a lingering frustration, as he came closer than ever to securing the Ballon d’Or but was ultimately edged out. Known for his electrifying pace, creative flair, and relentless work ethic, Vinicius has become a vital asset to Real Madrid and one of the most exciting players to watch in world football. His second-place finish is a testament to his development and standing within the game, and many expect he’ll remain a top contender in future years.
This year’s Ballon d’Or saga highlights the complexities of individual awards within a team-based sport, where the brilliance of a single player can sometimes be diluted by the presence of other exceptional teammates. For Real Madrid, the drama surrounding Vinicius’s near-miss and their own absence from the event has sparked conversations around respect and transparency within football’s most celebrated accolades.