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
We’re onto the Yashin Trophy now - also called the Yachine Trophy in some places - which is of course the top goalkeeper award.
Slightly bizarrely, it’s striker Lautaro Martinez who appears to be delivering it - but perhaps the reason for that is a compatriot being about to win?
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Women’s team win award. Man takes opportunity to talk about men’s team.
Good awareness, Joan Laporta.
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Ballon d'Or LIVE
A quick look back at Lamine getting his award - don’t think this is the last time he’ll be a top-ten finisher in the Ballon d’Or award, do you?!
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Time for the Gerd Muller trophy - the top scorer, with a pair netting 52 goals last season.
Unsurprising winners if you were keeping count: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.
The England striker thanks France Football and acknowledges the legend of Karl-Heinze Rummenigge, who presents him with the award.
Mbappe, of course, is not there - nobody from Real Madrid appears to be.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
The family of the Kaiser are on stage for the tribute to the iconic German.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
NOBODY.
Nobody at all is there from Real Madrid to collect or acknowledge the award. A quick word from Drogba and they move on swiftly to a look back at the career and life of Franz Beckenbauer, who died in January.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Next few men:
10th: Harry Kane, Bayern and England
9th: Toni Kroos, retired (Germany)
8th: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain.
And the men’s club of the year: Real Madrid.
Let’s see who is actually here to collect the award...
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Not sure why but Laporta’s rambling after saying how well the women’s team have done ended in thanking Hansi Flick and the rest of the men’s team for making the world “love” Barcelona again.
Bit weird, that, at the very least weird timing. Anyway, on we go.
Ballon d'Or LIVE
Joan Laporta accepts the award alongside captain Alexia Putellas after yet another year of winning...well, everything.
Alexia invites the rest of the team who are present up on stage to take the applause.
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