Vinicius Junior set to miss out on Ballon d’Or as Rodri emerges as potential winner

Rishap October 28, 2024October 28, 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri, Vinicius Junior

Reports have emerged that Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior will miss out on the Ballon d’Or trophy. It was speculated for a while that the Brazilian winger was the frontrunner for the prestigious award but there is now a late twist in the tale. It is also understood that Manchester City midfielder Rodri will edge Vini Jr to the 2024 Ballon d’Or trophy.

Vini Jr set to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony

It was previously reported that Vinicius had been informed by the French Football Association that he would be awarded the Ballon d’Or trophy on the back of his stellar form this year with Los Blancos. The 24-year-old was one of the driving forces behind Real winning La Liga and the Champions League in the 2023/24 season. His sensational form also carried to his season, having netted 8 goals and 4 assists in all competitions. However, the latest reports suggest that Vinicius and any of the Real Madrid players will not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28 in Paris.

🚨⚠️ Not even one representative of Real Madrid is expected to travel to Paris tonight.

This is club’s decision after Vinicius Jr was made aware that he will not win the Ballon d’Or, as @FabriceHawkins said. pic.twitter.com/zRXmfam9H1
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 28, 2024

Rodri to be crowned the Ballon d’Or trophy

Meanwhile, Man City’s midfield maestro Rodri is set to get his hands at the Ballon d’Or trophy, having previously expressed his desire to win it. The Spanish midfielder had an extraordinary 2023/24 campaign, being instrumental in the Cityzens’ fourth consecutive Premier League title. Later in the summer, he led Spain to the Euro 2024 glory whilst being adjudged the best player of the tournament, which saw his name getting thrown into contention for the Ballon d’Or.

Rodri is also on the verge of creating history as he will become the first Spaniard since Luis Suarez in 1960 to win the Ballon d’Or. Moreover, the 28-year-old will also be the first midfielder to get the hands at the most coveted prize since Luka Modric in 2018.

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The Spanish fans could be in for more delight as Barcelona’s prodigal winger Lamine Yamal is touted to be the favourite to win the Kopa Trophy, an award presented to the best young talent on the same night as the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The 17-year-old, who netted a goal in the El Clasico win against Real on Saturday, was also part of the Spanish national team that won the Euro 2024.