What Erling Haaland is doing tonight instead of attending the Ballon d'Or ceremony has baffled everyone

Erling Haaland appears to have joined Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr in skipping the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.

The event takes place at the Theatre du Chatelet, with Haaland on the shortlist for the Ballon d'Or award along with a number of his Manchester City's teammates.

Midfielder Rodri, who was key in City's record-breaking fourth Premier League title in a row before helping Spain win Euro 2024, is a firm favourite to win the prize.

On the day of the ceremony, reports circulated claiming that Vinicius and Real had decided to boycott the ceremony - having already found out he was not going to be the winner.

But while City are slated to have a big presence in the French capital, talisman Haaland looks to have other priorities on Monday night.

Hours before the Ballon d'Or is handed out, the Norway striker took to Instagram to post that he is spending the evening in hospitality at Malmo vs Goteborg in the Swedish top flight.

He tagged the 'Eleda Stadium' on his picture, which had the Malmo crest on some napkins.

Image: Instagram/@erling

Haaland was at the Ballon d'Or award ceremony last year, where he finished in second place Lionel Messi collected the prize for a record-extending eighth time.

Even with a season disrupted by injury, Haaland hit 38 goals in 45 games for City and looks set to be in the top ten this time around too.Meanwhile, Spanish and European champions Real are not expected to have any time of representation at the event in an almighty boycott.

Following up on a post from RMC Sport's Fabrice Hawkins, Fabrizio Romano reported that Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Perez and Jude Bellingham have not travelled despite Real being in contention for multiple awards.

As per AS, Los Blancos feel it is "obvious" that they are not respected by both UEFA and the Ballon d'Or.