Real Madrid and Brazilian forward Vinicius Junior is reportedly set to miss the opportunity to win the 2024 Ballon d’Or, according to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Romano announced in a tweet on Monday that the speedy winger “will not” travel to Paris, France, for the award ceremony set for Monday night.
Romano further said that none of his teammates, including Jude Bellingham, club president Florentino Pérez, coach Carlo Ancelotti, or other players, would attend.
The tweet read, “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.”
However, speculations from various media publications suggest that Manchester City midfield maestro Rodrigo Cascante, also known as Rodri, may receive the most coveted individual football honour.
The 28-year-old Spaniard, who is presently sidelined for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in late September, has shown considerable development and command in the central park since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
Rodri scored the only goal in the club’s 2023 Champions League final versus Inter Milan at Istanbul’s Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium, marking the club’s first Champions League title win.
He was also a vital member of Manchester City’s four-time Premier League champions and Spain’s Euro 2024 winning team.
If Rodri wins the Ballon d’Or, he will become only the second English Premier League player to win the honour, following Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
However, Vinicius is considered the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or.
In the 2022 Champions League final versus Liverpool, the Brazilian ace scored the only goal.
He also won the trophy in 2024, when the team defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in England, scoring the game’s second goal.
Vinicius scored 24 goals in the 2024 season, helping Madrid win three trophies: La Liga, the Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.
Other nominees for the 2024 Ballon d’Or include Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, and Ademola Lookman, among others.
