Rodri wins the Ballon d'Or and it is leaked who informed Real Madrid that Vinicius would not win

After the gala concluded, journalist Marion Reimers from TNT Sports claimed that Manchester City itself informed Real Madrid that it would not be Vinícius who would win the Ballon d'Or award, but rather Rodri. The Citizens allegedly warned the Merengues, who decided not to attend the gala as a sign of protest, believing that Vini should have won.

The 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony was marked by a significant absence as Real Madrid decided to boycott the event, following allegations that the club had been informed in advance that their star player, Vinícius Júnior, would not be awarded the prestigious prize.

TNT Sports journalist Marion Reimers reported that Manchester City had allegedly leaked information to Real Madrid indicating that Rodri Hernández would be named the winner. This revelation sparked outrage within the Real Madrid camp, with the club believing that Vinícius was the deserving recipient of the award based on his outstanding performances throughout the season.

As a result of this alleged leak, Real Madrid made the decision to withdraw from the ceremony as a form of protest. The club's absence was widely interpreted as a clear statement against what they perceived as unfair treatment and a lack of transparency in the Ballon d'Or voting process.

Real Madrid's decision to boycott the ceremony has ignited a fierce debate in the footballing world. While some have praised the club for taking a stand against what they see as an injustice, others have criticized the move as being overly dramatic.

"We felt it was important to make a statement," a Real Madrid spokesperson said. "Vinícius has had an exceptional season, and we believe he was the rightful winner of the Ballon d'Or. By boycotting the ceremony, we are sending a message that we will not tolerate such behavior."

Manchester City has vehemently denied any involvement in leaking the results of the Ballon d'Or vote. The club has issued a statement condemning the allegations as "false and defamatory."

The controversy surrounding the Ballon d'Or has cast a shadow over what is typically one of the most celebrated events in the football calendar. As the dust settles, it remains to be seen whether this incident will lead to any changes in the way the award is voted on and presented in the future.