Ballon d’Or officials have been forced to speak out in the face of rumors that Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid will not be taking part in Monday’s ceremony. The Ballon d’Or winner will be announced at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, and Vinicius Jr and Rodri are the two main contenders for the title.
Newspaper MARCA had previously suggested that the Madrid superstar could win the prestigious award, but RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins recently announced that Vinicius would not be shortlisted. He declared on social networks: “BREAKING. Vinicius Jr.’s entourage is now convinced that he will not be named Ballon d’Or winner. Everyone in Madrid shares this sentiment.”
This information follows statements by transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, who confirmed that Vinicius will not be attending the ceremony. On X, he wrote: “BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will not be going to Paris because Real Madrid know he will not win the Ballon d’Or. No member of Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.”
With Vinicius apparently out of the running, Manchester City’s Rodri could be the main contender for the title, according to some sources. However, Ballon d’Or director Marc Las reacted by claiming that only two people know the winner: himself and the head of France Football. “Those who claim to know the winner or have a list are liars,” he told L’Equipe. The truth will not be revealed until the announcement is made this evening, at what promises to be a star-studded event in the French capital, despite the absence of Real Madrid.
Rodri also expressed his feelings on the award, saying, “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish soccer deserves a Ballon d’Or. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”
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