Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Boycott: Who Decided to Keep the Stars Away?

13 Nov 2024 ScoreWaves Staff view

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The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony was a contentious affair. It was Manchester City’s Rodri who clinched the prestigious award on the night. However, according to many, the deserving recipient of the accolade was Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. While that’s a debate for another day, it became quite clear on the night that the Real Madrid contingent wasn’t going to attend the ceremony.

Real Madrid’s decision to not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony attracted widespread condemnation from the footballing world, as it showed the club’s petulance and lack of sportsmanship. It was revealed that Rodri topped the poll with 41 more points than the Brazilian star, according to a vote from 100 international journalists. Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal secured third and fourth place, respectively, rounding out the top contenders in the race. Typically, club officials and players are expected to show up at the Ballon d'Or ceremony, whether or not they’re taking home a trophy. For years, stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have attended, even in seasons they didn’t win. This year, Real Madrid was recognized as the best men’s club of 2024 by France Football.

But there was no one from the club to receive the award. Los Blancos’ decision has surely rubbed many people the wrong way. However, fresh insights into Real’s decision-making process to not attend the ceremony have been provided. According to reports in Spain, the decision was far from a collective one. As per reports from Revelo, “Many players and even managers wanted to attend the awards,” even after learning that Vini wouldn’t win the award. In fact, many players and officials were waiting in the airport to catch a private jet for the ceremony, before the decision to not travel was communicated to them. So, who was this man behind Los Blancos’ controversial call? None other than Real Madrid’s President, Florentino Perez.

Although Real Madrid’s decision to skip the award bothered many, it didn’t bother Rodri. In an interview with COPE Radio, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner said, “Why would it hurt me (that Vinícius wasn't there)? It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I'd be thinking about is people who weren't there, and didn't want to participate.” Further in the interview, Rodri went on to say that he would have voted for Carvajal in second place – this could be viewed as a slight dig at Vinicius Junior. He said, “I love that people vote what they feel. It's someone's opinion. I respect Vinícius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it ... I'd vote for Carvajal, and Vinícius too. Maybe Carvajal second."