Ballon d'Or 2024: Vinicius Denied, Real Madrid Boycotts

This year’s Ballon d'Or race was supposed to crown Vinicius Junior’s phenomenal season. The Brazilian star was widely expected to take home the 2023/24 World Player of the Year award, standing as the favorite among top contenders like Rodri and Jude Bellingham. Fans anticipated a golden evening for Vinicius after his incredible stats of 26 goals and 11 assists, his role in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph, and the Spanish league title. But just a day before the ceremony, unexpected news broke: Rodri, not Vinicius, would be named World Player of the Year. Real Madrid was deeply disappointed and decided to boycott the gala altogether.

A Surprise Boycott and a Statement

Real Madrid’s absence from the Ballon d'Or event was more than just a silent protest. The club, nominated as “Best Team of the Year,” and with Carlo Ancelotti as “Best Manager” (an award Ancelotti did indeed win), made a bold statement. Even the dual victories did not change the club’s decision – this year’s Ballon d'Or was overshadowed by larger conflicts for Real Madrid. Fans and experts struggled to understand the boycott, but rumors soon circulated that a political rift involving the UEFA might be at the root of it.

A UEFA Conflict Fueling the Decision?

Behind Real Madrid’s firm stance, some suspect a political component: the simmering conflict between UEFA and Real Madrid has escalated, fueled by Real President Florentino Pérez’s push to exit the Champions League and pursue a Super League. Insiders suspect that UEFA, which has influence over the Ballon d'Or through its connection with the French Football Federation, may have used this year’s awards to sanction Real indirectly. Pérez has yet to comment publicly on these speculations, but the tension between Real Madrid and Europe’s footballing authorities has been long in the making.

Vinicius: A "Lost" Chance in a Stellar Season

For Vinicius himself, the decision is especially painful. After an exceptional season, he was poised to claim the pinnacle individual award of his career. With 26 goals, 11 assists, leadership on the field, and game-changing offense that led Real Madrid to the top of Spain and Europe, Vinicius’s performance was extraordinary, marking him as a clear candidate for World Player of the Year. Yet, the fracture between UEFA and Real Madrid now appears to be impacting the players as well. Many are left wondering if Vinicius and other Real stars might be getting sidelined by UEFA’s influence.

What Lies Ahead?

It remains to be seen whether Real Madrid’s boycott will further intensify the conflict with UEFA. This year’s Ballon d'Or ceremony was far from a pure sporting event – it became the stage for a complex standoff between Real Madrid and football’s governing bodies. The disappointment for Vinicius and his fans is undeniable, but Real Madrid’s message is clear: they won’t play by the rules if it conflicts with their principles. The boycott is just the latest chapter in a tense and complex rivalry, one that will likely shape European football’s landscape for some time.