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
Aitana Bonmati retains her trophy and wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin award!
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Women’s big award now - Ballon d’Or Feminin time!
It’s ....Natalie Portman is handing over the award.
“It feels like the Oscars for football,” she says. “We live in Paris so we end up going to [watch] PSG a lot”.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
And for the Men’s Johan Cruyff coach award - it’s Carlo Ancelotti.
Of course he’s a Real Madrid manager so...not there.
No thank you video, no recorded message.
“I’m disappointed not to see my former coach but congratulations Carlo”, says Drogba - that’s the only acknowledgement of Real Madrid not being here tonight.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Emma Hayes has won the first Women’s Johan Cruyff coach award!
“I’m very honoured to be awarded the first Ballon d’Or for a coach of the women’s game. I want to say a big congratulations to the nominees, I respect all the coaches hugely and understand how challenging our work is.
“Thank you for a magical summer in France, a beautiful country and I’m very honoured!”
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Stoichkov on his former boss Johan Cruyff: “It’s very important to have a coach, a friend and a gentleman [like Cruyff]. He did a lot for me, he was patient with me and I wouldn’t know as much if not for him.”
Ballon d'Or LIVE
The manager awards are being renamed as the Johan Cruyff Trophies, for the best men’s and women’s coaches.
Hristo Stoichkov is magnificently on stage to deliver the trophy, alongside Jordi Cruyff.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Men’s ranking, next up:
7th: Lautaro Martinez, Inter
6th: Kylian Mbappe, PSG/Real Madrid
5th: Erling Haaland, Man City
Ballon d'Or LIVE
The Socrates Award winner is Jennifer Hermoso.
The Spain player speaks about her work towards equality on and off the pitch and to provide a future for female players.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Next up in the Feminin:
7th: Marie-Antoinette Katoto, PSG
6th: Mallory Swanson, Chicago Red Stars
5th: Lindsey Horan, Lyon
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Gigi Donnarumma, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, Emi Martinez and Unai Simon are the contenders.
And the winner...
Emiliano Martinez! A few boos for the Argentina goalkeeper as he walks up the steps, which is par for the course if you irritate as many people as he does.
It’s back-to-back wins of this award for the Aston Villa No.1.
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