Real Madrid’s actions overshadowed Spanish midfielder Rodri’s historic Ballon d’Or victory in Paris on Monday. He became the first Premier League footballer to win the trophy since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, his debut year for Manchester United, and the first male player from Spain since 1960. However, the gala event at the Chatelet Theater became Real Madrid’s.

The Spanish club had eight nominees across all awards for Monday night’s event, but none of the team members were present in Paris. They boycotted the ceremony after becoming convinced their striker Vinicius, the bookmakers’ favorite to win the men’s championship, had been snubbed.

The Brazilian was the heavy favorite to win the prestigious trophy after playing an influential role in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League double. However, the club reportedly learned that Vinicius had lost the Ballon d’Or race to Rodri and boycotted the event.

Was the Ballon d’Or award leaked?

Organizers added a twist to the 2024 edition of the event when they decided to keep the winner’s name secret until the end just to avoid media leaks. In response to Madrid’s boycott – which became official as nominees gathered for the ceremony at a Paris theater – organizers insisted that “no player or club” knew in advance who won the prize.

“All clubs and players are in the same boat,” a Ballon d’Or source told AFP.

Real Madrid accuses UEFA of “disrespect”.

The club questioned the selection process for the Ballon d’Or winner, saying its defender Dani Carvajal, who was also on the 30-player shortlist, was unfairly overlooked. The Spaniard scored the opening goal in the 2024 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund before Vinicius scored the second in Madrid’s 2-0 title win at Wembley.

The reigning La Liga winner also accused UEFA and France Football, the award organizers, of “disrespect” for snubbing the award.

“If the award criteria do not indicate Vinicius as the winner, then the same criteria should indicate Carvajal as the winner,” Real Madrid told AFP.

“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid won’t go where it won’t be respected.”

Where did Vinicius and Carvajal end up on the final Ballon d’Or list?

Vinicius placed second in the voting ahead of his teammate Jude Bellingham (third), while Carvajal finished fourth. Other Real Madrid players on the final list included Kylian Mbappé (sixth), Toni Kroos (ninth), Federico Valverde (17th) and Antonio Rüdiger (22nd).