Ballon d’Or Awards LIVE: Vinicius Jr claims ‘they’re not ready’ as Rodri crowned amid Real Madrid boycott
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner was revealed tonight with Rodri succeeding Lionel Messi
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Your support makes all the difference.Vinicius Jr took to social media to react after finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Manchester City’s Rodri after Real Madrid led a boycott of Monday night’s ceremony in protest of the result.
Vinicius had been widely tipped to win the men’s award after an outstanding season, but Real Madrid delegation cancelled their trip to the Paris ceremony at the last minute when the “leaked results” of the prestigious award showed Rodri had received the most votes ahead of the Brazilian and Jude Bellingham.
The 24-year-old, who was named Champions League player of the year after playing a starring role in Real Madrid’s 15th European Cup, took to Twitter/X and posted “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.” He did not congratulate Rodri on on winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time, with the influential midfielder recognised for his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.
Follow all the reaction from the Ballon d’Or ceremony with our live blog below:
Vinicius Jr reacts to Ballon d'Or result after losing to Rodri: ‘They’re not ready’
Vinicius Junior deserved to win the Ballon d’Or - his problem was that so did Rodri
Real Madrid boycott Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Jr loses out to Rodri
States of Play: Miguel Delaney answers your questions – from Man City’s court case to Newcastle’s takeover
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Rodri explains a bit about the development of his game and says he’ll celebrate tonight with those who have supported him in the bad moments.
He also adds he’s progressing well with his injury.
Vinicius (second) and Bellingham (third) are confirmed as the podium finishers.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Rodri is helped up to take his trophy and then Drogba has to help him over to the microphone.
“Incredible night for me, I’ve got so many people thank,” he starts - and reveals it’s the eighth anniversary for he and his partner. Rodri’s family are in attendance and he thanks them for their support.
Manchester City, Uefa, Spain and France Football - they all get a mention.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is...
Rodri!
Plenty of shouts of “Vini” in the background, but it’s the Manchester City midfielder who heads up on stage...on crutches of course!
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Four finalists then:
Carvajal, Rodri, Vinicius, Bellingham. Where’s your prediction? We’re about to find out...
Ballon d'Or LIVE
It’s George Weah to present the award - the only African winner of the Ballon d’Or to date.
The Liberian legend, president of his nation from 2018 to 2024, will be reading out the name of the winner.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
So, the four remaining after Erling Haaland placed in fifth are:
Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodri. Three from Real Madrid, one from Manchester City.
Who walks away as a first-time winner tonight? Well only one can walk away technically, three aren’t here...
Anyway, it’s coming up now.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
That’s the women’s award all wrapped up for the night - we’re going through a countdown of the 30 to five now in the men’s and then we’ll be onto the podium and winners there too.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Caroline Graham Hansen in second and Salma Paralluelo third have just been announced as the podium finishers, making it a clean sweep for Barcelona in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Aitana Bonmati, double Ballon d’Or winner.
The undisputed top player in the world of women’s football, she has won everything and doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
“Thank you for the applause, as always I say I can’t be here alone, I’m very fortunate to play with amazing players.”
Bonmati thanks her teammates, family and the wider Barcelona club, as well as noting Caroline Graham Hansen had an incredible season and could well have been the winner.
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