According to a source, Real Madrid feels "disrespected" after missing the Ballon d'Or event in anger of Vinicius Jr.'s loss. Due to his performances, Real Madrid star Vinicius was considered the favorite for winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or. The Brazilian assisted Los Blancos win both the La Liga and the Champions League.
But according to rumors on Monday afternoon, Real Madrid has been informed that Rodri, a star for Manchester City and Spain, will get the coveted prize in Paris on Monday night. He arrived on crutches for the event and would be the first midfielder since Luka Modric to win the coveted Ballon d’Or award.
The 24-year-old's family, along with a group of players from Real Madrid and supporters, were expected to go to Paris to witness the event. However, the Brazilian chose to call off the trip as soon as Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory became public knowledge. In protest, it was subsequently determined that other members of Madrid's team would not go.
According to a Real Madrid source who spoke to AS, Real Madrid feels "disrespected" by UEFA and France Football, the award's organizers, for the rejection because they felt that his teammate Dani Carvajal should have received the prize if Vinicius hadn't.
“Real Madrid is not where it is not respected” : Inside Source
An unnamed source from Real Madrid gave a statement earlier today to AS. They said, "If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected."
Rodri is currently the most likely candidate for lifting the trophy at the Ballon d'Or event, which will take position in Paris around the Theatre du Chatelet. The ceremony is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. GMT.