A Real Madrid expedition with 50 people including nominees, family members and employees decides not to board the charter flight to Paris when they find out that Vinícius will not be the winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The unexpected white snub has been widely criticised in the international press, but until now it was not known who warned Real Madrid that the final winner would be Rodri.
RAC1 reveals the source
Journalist Jordi Basté revealed to RAC1 that it was precisely the club where the Madrid midfielder plays, Manchester City, who warned Madrid that Vinícius would leave the Chátelet Theatre empty-handed.
The evolution in the voting criteria, more sensitive to fair play, and the intrigue generated by the elimination of the previous photo session, caused the change of script. From then on, the call left the Madrid directors in 'shock' who decided not to attend the Ballon d'Or Gala.
The 'NO' party of Vinicius
The luxurious party that Vinícius had prepared in the French capital was empty. Just like the support for Real Madrid for their refusal to win the most prestigious award in football. "Moral defeat", "tantrum" or "boycott of the Ballon d'Or" are some of the media definitions that the reaction of Real Madrid has received.