Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid Skip Ballon d'Or Ceremony as Rodri Set to Win Award
- DailyBuzzReports
- Oct 28, 2024
- 2 min read
Vinícius Júnior and his Real Madrid teammates have chosen not to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris, with sources indicating that they believe Manchester City's Rodri will win the award. This decision highlights the changing sentiment around the prestigious accolade, which Vinícius had been a strong contender for after an impressive season.
At 24, Vinícius played a crucial role in Real Madrid’s success, helping the team secure both the LaLiga and Champions League titles last season. His contributions included 15 goals in LaLiga and six in the Champions League, demonstrating his significant impact on the pitch. His absence from the ceremony signals a shift in the expectations surrounding his potential win.
The Real Madrid contingent also includes other notable nominees, such as Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Kylian Mbappé, Antonio Rüdiger, Federico Valverde, goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, and coach Carlo Ancelotti. Their collective decision not to attend underscores a lack of confidence in Vinícius securing the award this year, despite earlier optimism.
Vinícius’s strong performances last season included critical goals in both the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich and the final against Borussia Dortmund. His contributions were instrumental to Madrid’s success, leading many, including Ancelotti, to express belief that he could claim the prestigious honor.
Had he won, Vinícius would have become the first Brazilian to receive the men’s Ballon d'Or since Kaká in 2007. Last year, the award was won by Lionel Messi, marking his eighth win, while Karim Benzema took the prize in 2022, showcasing the competitive nature of the accolade.
Rodri’s expected win is backed by his outstanding performances for Manchester City, where he played a key role in their Premier League title victory. Additionally, he shone during Spain's successful run at Euro 2024, further solidifying his status as a top contender for the award.
Vinícius Júnior and Real Madrid Skip Ballon d'Or Ceremony as Rodri Set to Win Award
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