Rodri is set to win the Ballon d’Or tonight, causing favorite Vinicius Jr and the rest of the Real Madrid delegation to reportedly skip the event, as per reports from Spain.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who is facing a lengthy absence due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, is expected to receive the award for his contributions to the club’s fourth consecutive Premier League title.
He also played a key role in Spain’s triumph at the European Championship this past summer.
This news contradicts previous rumors on social media that suggested Vinicius Jr had secured the top spot with Rodri coming in second.
According to leading Spanish newspaper AS, Vinicius, who was a standout performer as Real Madrid clinched a La Liga and Champions League double last season, will now not be present at the ceremony in Paris tonight.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, coach Carlo Ancelotti, and England midfielder Jude Bellingham will also be absent in a show of protest.
🚨 BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.
No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham. pic.twitter.com/qN9PaYjmR0
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024