Vinicius to miss out on 2024 Ballon d’Or, claims Romano

• Published On: 28 October 2024 at 19:53

According to renowned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid forward and Brazilian international Vinicius Junior is likely to miss out on the 2024 Ballon d'Or.

Romano stated in a tweet on Monday that the speedy winger "will not" travel to Paris, France, for the award ceremony scheduled for Monday night.


Romano also revealed that none of his teammates, including Jude Bellingham, club president Florentino Pérez, coach Carlo Ancelotti, or other players, would attend.


The tweet read, "Vinicius Jr. will not travel to Paris because Real Madrid knows he will not win the Ballon d'Or. The ceremony will not be attended by anyone from Real Madrid. "No Florentino Pérez, Vini Jr, Carlo Ancelotti, or Jude Bellingham."


However, reports from several media outlets suggest that Manchester City midfield maestro Rodrigo Cascante, also known as Rodri, may receive the most coveted individual football award.



The 28-year-old Spaniard, who is currently sidelined for the season after suffering a cruciate ligament injury in late September, has shown significant improvement and command in the central park since joining City from Atletico Madrid in 2019.



Rodri scored the only goal in the club's 2023 Champions League final against Inter Milan at Istanbul's Ataturk Olimpiyat Stadium, marking the club's first Champions League trophy win.


He was also a key member of Manchester City's four-time Premier League champions and Spain's Euro 2024 winning team.


If Rodri wins the Ballon d'Or, he will become only the second English Premier League player to win the award, following Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.


However, Vinicius is considered the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or.


In the 2022 Champions League final against Liverpool, the Brazilian ace scored the only goal. He also won the trophy in 2024, when the club defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in England, scoring the game's second goal.



Vinicius scored 24 goals in the 2024 season, helping Madrid win three trophies: La Liga, the Champions League, and the UEFA Super Cup.


Other nominees for the 2024 Ballon d'Or include Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Erling Haaland, and Ademola Lookman, among others.