The Ballon d'Or executives have been forced to speak out as rumours that Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid won't be attending Monday's ceremony emerge.
The winner of the Ballon d’Or will be announced at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France, with Vinicius Jr and Rodri the two favourites for the award.
It was previously speculated by MARCA that Madrid superstar Vinicius would win the the prestigious accolade, but recent reports from RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins now claim the Brazilian will miss out.
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He wrote on social media: “BREAKING. Vinicius Jr.'s entourage is now convinced that he will not be named Ballon d'Or. Everyone in Madrid has this feeling."
This news has since followed reports from transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano that Vini will now no longer be in attendance for Monday's awards.
He posted on X: “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.”
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With Vini now seemingly out of contention, Manchester City's Rodri looks set to pick up the award according to reports.
However, Ballon d'Or executive, Marc Las, has hit back and claimed only two people know the winner of 2024's award.
"Only two people know the winner, me and the chief of France football. Anyone who says they know the winner or have a list is a liar," he told L'equipe.
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We will not know for sure until the winner is announced tonight during what is billed as a star-studded event in the capital of France despite the absence of Real Madrid.
Speaking previously about the award , Rodri said: “A Spaniard deserves to win. Spanish football deserves a Ballon d’Or winner. Spain deserves to win a Ballon d’Or.”
Tom Jenkins