Real Madrid are said to be boycotting tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony for the second season running, after they withdrew their attendance last year due to a “lack of respect” from organisers.
Los Blancos had been due to attend the 2024 ceremony, under the belief that their Brazilian winger Vinicius Junior was to be given the prestigious award.
However, when learning that Manchester City midfielder Rodri was to win the trophy instead, Madrid announced they would not attend the event due to an apparent lack of respect.
The award is decided by a host of international journalists who give out points to their perceived top 10 players in the world for that season, handing 15 points to first-place and one point to 10th.
It is merited on three main criteria: individual performances, team achievements and fair play.
Rodri beat Vinicius by just 41 points last year. The Madrid star beat team-mate Jude Bellingham in third place by over 200 points, while Spanish full-back Carvajal finished in fourth.
Rodri beat Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior to the trophy last year
|PA
On their decision to boycott the event last year, the Spanish giants told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.
“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
After scoring 24 goals and winning the Champions League, Real Madrid felt Vinicius Junior deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. Last year, however, the Brazilian scored just 11 league goals and is not considered one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
|PA
According to AS, the relationship has still not “healed” and has left Madrid boycotting the event for the second season running.
Last year, while Vinicius did not win the prestigious trophy, the club were awarded the Best Men’s Club of the Year, after they beat Borussia Dortmund to lift their 15th Champions League trophy, while then-boss Carlo Ancelotti won the Coach of the Year.
Real Madrid and Carlo Ancelotti both won awards at last year's Ballon d'Or ceremony after their historic 15th Champions League victory. No one was there to collect the award.
|PA
However, no representative from Madrid was there to pick up either award. Ancelotti conducted his acceptance speech via video call.
While the relationship between Madrid and France Football, who are responsible for picking the 30-man shortlist that the international journalists choose from, is said to still be fractious, their La Liga schedule could also be a reason for their non-attendance.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Xabi Alonso’s side are due to play Levante just 24 hours after the event, as they look to continue their perfect league start to the season.
With just hours to prepare for the fixture, this could represent a second reason why the club will not be attending. Similarly, Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain will not be present on the night.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Real Madrid have enjoyed a perfect start to the league season
|REUTERS
The French side, who have an astonishing nine players nominated for the award, had their fixture against Marseille postponed until Monday evening, the same time as the ceremony, after reports of storms on Sunday.
Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and Joao Neves could be at the event as they are currently recovering from injuries.
Ousmane Dembele is considered the favourite to win the Ballon d'Or this year
|PA
Dembele is currently the favourite for the award. He scored 35 goals while providing 16 assists last season, as he fired the Parisians to a historic quintuple.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Vitinha, Achraf Hakimi, Nuno Mendes, and Fabian Ruiz will not be attending despite being nominated, as they have been named in the matchday squad to face Marseille.
There are five British nominees up for the award this year, with Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and former Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay all making the list.
Michael Owen was the last British player to win the esteemed award, with the then-22-year-old celebrating his triumph in 2001.
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter