Sevilla appear to mock Real Madrid boycotting Ballon d'Or ceremony because of Vinicius snub
Sevilla's social media account has seemingly poked fun at Real Madrid's decision not to attend tonight's Ballon d'Or ceremony after Vinicius Junior missed out on the award. The La Liga giants have reportedly decided to boycott the gala in Paris because their No.7 hasn't won the men's award.
Vinicius had long been tipped to win the France Football award, but Manchester City's Rodri appears to have beaten him. Madrid feels the decision is 'shameful' and a 'historic robbery', per ESPN Brasil.
Sevilla's X account appear to have poked fun at Real Madrid's boycott with an amusing post. The club's media team wrote:
"BREAKING: Admin will NOT travel to Paris as Admin has been told they will NOT win the Ballon d’Or."
Vinicius enjoyed a superb 2023-24 campaign with Madrid as they won the UEFA Champions League, La Liga title and Supercopa de Espana. He posted 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 games across competitions.
The Brazil international scored in a 2-0 win against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final. Many expected that to be the icing on the cake for a Ballon d'Or win.
Yet Rodri's performances for City and Spain have seemingly pushed him towards the Ballon d'Or. The Spaniard won the Premier League and Euro 2024 with commanding performances.
Real Madrid's statement over Ballon d'Or boycott following Vinicius Junior snub
Real Madrid have made a statement in response to their decision not to attend the ceremony in Paris. They suggest Dani Carvajal should be the victor if not Vinicius (via Agence France-Presse):
"If the award criteria do not designate Vinicius as the winner, these same criteria should designate Carvajal as the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is clear that the UEFA Ballon d'Or does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid will not go where it is not respected."
Carvajal was part of the Madrid team that won the Champions League, La Liga, and Supercopa de Espana. He was also Rodri's teammate at Euro 2024, where he won the trophy with La Roja.
The veteran right-back scored the opener in Los Blancos' Champions League final win against Dortmund. He was a mainstay in Luis de la Fuente's team at last summer's European Championships in Germany.
The Ballon d'Or has come under scrutiny in recent years amid some controversial award winners. When speaking earlier this year, Cristiano Ronaldo suggested the award was losing its credibility.