The Brazilian forward, who was once a top contender for the Ballon d’Or, is no longer expected to take the prize. As a result, Real Madrid has opted not to send a delegation to the upcoming awards ceremony in Paris.
“Real Madrid Pulls Out of Ballon d’Or Ceremony, Sensing Vinícius Júnior Will Miss Out on Top Prize”
Real Madrid has abruptly canceled plans to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday, as the club believes their star Brazilian forward, Vinícius Júnior, will not claim the prestigious male award this year.
Vinícius, 24, had been the bookmakers’ favorite to take home his first Ballon d’Or, given his stellar season as the Champions League Player of the Year. He led the odds ahead of Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri and Real Madrid’s own Jude Bellingham, the England international.
Last season, Vinícius played a pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure a Champions League-La Liga double. Alongside him, 21-year-old Bellingham made a sensational debut in La Liga, scoring a career-high 19 goals, earning him La Liga’s MVP title, and helping England advance to the Euro 2024 final.
