Real Madrid snubs Ballon d’Or ceremony, says it was ‘not respected’ after star player Vinícius Jr. misses out

As the stars of soccer gathered in Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony – an event which celebrates the very best of the sport – there was one very notable absentee: Real Madrid.

As the stars of soccer gathered in Paris for the Ballon d’Or ceremony – an event which celebrates the very best of the sport – there was one very notable absentee. Real Madrid, arguably the biggest club in world soccer, decided not to send its representatives to Monday’s event, after learning that star player Vinícius Jr. had not won the award for best men’s player, per multiple reports. According to AFP, The Athletic and multiple Spanish outlets, Los Blancos said they would not go where they were “not respected.” Manchester City midfielder Rodri was named the men’s Ballon d’Or winner after the Spaniard enjoyed a brilliant season with club and country. Vinícius finished second, ahead of his Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal – who finished third and fourth respectively. Barcelona Femení and Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí won her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin for best women’s player.