WATCH: Fans chant Vinicius Jr's name outside Ballon d'Or venue ahead of award gala
Fans gathered outside today's (October 28) Ballon d'Or gala venue in Paris chanted the name of Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr ahead of the winner being announced. The Los Blancos forward is one of the frontrunners for the award this year after an impressive 2023-24 campaign.
Vinicius Jr was tipped to win the award after sterling performances in the 2023-24 season. The 24-year-old was so sure of himself that he bragged about the award during an altercation with Barcelona star Gavi in Saturday's El Clasico.
Reports from multiple sources, including Fabrizio Romano, have so far indicated that the Brazil international may not end up winning the award this evening. As a result, the entire Real Madrid contingent have reportedly not made the short trip to Paris for the gala.
This development has reached the ears of the fans of the forward, who have gathered at the venue of the gala to show their support for him. They chanted his name repeatedly in a video from El Chiringuito, with one fan hoisting up his shirt.
Manchester City's midfield metronome Rodri is seen as the major obstacle to Vinicius Jr winning the award. The Spaniard has already arrived at the venue of the gala. His presence, and the absence of the Real Madrid man and the rest of his teammates, has lent further credence to the rumors of his win.
Vinicius Jr had his best-ever season in a Real Madrid shirt during the 2023-24 season, scoring 24 goals and providing 11 assists in 39 appearances. The forward was instrumental as they won the UEFA Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana trophies.
Spain manager criticises Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid for Ballon d'Or snub
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has knocked Real Madrid and its players for refusing to attend the 2024 Ballon d'Or gala due to the results. Los Blancos were meant to have a strong representation at the gala in France due to receiving several nominations.
De la Fuente has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award after leading Spain to glory in Euro 2024. The Spanish manager shared his thoughts on Los Blancos missing the gala following his arrival on the red carpet.
“It is not good for football that a club like Real Madrid is not present at a gala of this nature," he said (via Madrid Xtra).
Vinicius Jr, one of their nominees, was tipped to win the award before reports emerged that he would not be the recipient of the 2024 edition of the award. On hearing this, club president Florentino Perez, manager Carlo Ancelotti, and the nominees decided against traveling for the gala.