Real Madrid and its key figures will not be attending the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, as the club reportedly believes that Vinicius Jr. will not take home the award. This decision includes notable absences from club president Florentino Pérez, manager Carlo Ancelotti, Vinicius Jr., and rising star Jude Bellingham. Despite Vinicius’ remarkable season—where he netted 24 goals and added 11 assists, helping Real Madrid secure the UEFA Champions League and La Liga titles—he is seen as unlikely to win, with fierce competition from players like Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, who broke records with his goal-scoring feats.
The decision to skip the Ballon d’Or event has stirred conversations around Real Madrid’s stance on the award, which many see as heavily influenced by factors beyond just individual performance. With Bellingham and Vinicius Jr. both listed among top contenders, some analysts interpret this absence as a statement on Real Madrid’s confidence in the outcome and as a potential show of solidarity within the club. However, the Ballon d’Or remains one of the most prestigious individual awards in football, and for players like Vinicius Jr., the loss could be a motivating factor for future achievements.
The Ballon d’Or ceremony will be held on October 30 at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. As Real Madrid stands in solidarity with its players, the decision to abstain adds a layer of tension and speculation around how the award is perceived among Europe’s elite clubs.
