"It is not good for football" - Spain manager Luis de la Fuente speaks out as Real Madrid snub 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony
Spanish men's national team manager Luis de la Fuente spoke about the Real Madrid delegation not travelling to attend the 2024 Ballon d'Or award ceremony in Paris on October 28. The Spanish giants reportedly decided to boycott the ceremony after reports claimed Vinicius Jr. would not be winning the coveted award.
As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, no representative of the club will travel to Paris after Vinicius Jr's alleged snub. The Brazilian winger has been a major favorite to win the prestigious award this year after a stellar 2023-24 campaign with Los Blancos. Vinicius won the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana with Real Madrid. He recorded 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances across competitions for the club.
In an interview with the media after arriving at France Football's gala, Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said (via Madrid Xtra):
“It is not good for football that a club like Real Madrid is not present at a gala of this nature.”
According to multiple reports, Manchester City midfielder Rodri is set to win the Ballon d'Or ahead of Vini Jr tonight. The midfielder notably won the 2024 Euros with Spain under De la Fuente's guidance. Moreover, he also won the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City.
Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham reportedly among top three in the Ballon d'Or rankings
According to Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez (via El Chiringuito TV), Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham have been ranked second and third in the Ballon d'Or rankings, respectively.
Sanchez shared a list of the top three players in the rankings, with Rodri finishing ahead of the two Los Blancos stars.
Despite having a stellar campaign with Real Madrid, Vinicius Jr.'s 2024 Copa America campaign with Brazil ended on a disappointing note. The forward scored twice in the tournament. He was suspended for the quarter-final, where Brazil lost 4-2 to Uruguay on penalties.
Meanwhile, Rodri was instrumental in Spain's triumph at the Euros. He scored one goal but was exceptional in ball control and distribution, controlling the Spanish midfield. He was also named Player of the Tournament, which could have contributed to him being preferred over Vinicius.