Ballon d'Or 2024: Real Madrid named Men's Team of the Year at gala
Real Madrid was named the best Men's Team of the Year at the 2024 Ballon d'Or gala at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28. The Spanish side won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana last season.
Widely considered among the greatest clubs of all time, Real Madrid hold a record 15 Champions League titles and a record 36 LaLiga titles. They have also won 20 Copa del Rey titles and 13 Supercopa de Espana titles, among numerous other honors.
On October 28, France Football declared Real Madrid as the best Men's Team of the Year owing to their stellar 2023-24 season. No representative from the club was present at the ceremony to collect the award.
Los Blancos won the UEFA Champions League for a record-extending 15th time after a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund in the final. On the way to the UCL final, the Merengues beat some juggernauts of Europe over two legs. They include Manchester City (quarter-finals, 4-3 win on penalties) and Bayern Munich (semi-finals, 4-3 aggregate).
Further, they won LaLiga with 95 points off 38 games. In the Supercopa de Espana, Los Blancos defeated their league rivals Barcelona 4-1 to claim the title. Some of the best players for them were Vinicius Jr (35 G/A in 39 outings), Jude Bellingham (36 G/A in 42 outings), and Rodrygo (26 G/A in 51 outings).
Real Madrid delegation did not travel to the Ballon d'Or gala after reported Vinicius Jr. snub
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid's delegation did not travel to Paris to attend the Ballon d'Or gala. It came after it was reported that their star forward Vinicius Jr. will not be winning the coveted trophy.
Los Blancos star Kylian Mbappe, who won the Gerd Muller trophy alongside Harry Kane, was also not present at the ceremony. Carlo Ancelotti, named Coach of the Year, was also not present. Romano reported that club president Florentino Perez and fellow nominee Jude Bellingham will also not be present at the gala.
As per reports, the club took the decision in solidarity with Vinicius Jr., who was a major favorite to win the men's Ballon d'Or. Despite widespread reports hailing him as the winner, reports arose on the day of the event (October 28) alleging Rodri won the award ahead of the Brazilian.
However, it has been widely reported that Vini Jr and Jude Bellingham made it among the top 3 of the Ballon d'Or rankings. No official reports confirmed the same as of writing.