Following last night’s events, Real Madrid are now of the belief that the Ballon d’Or awards have lost all credibility for them, as reported by MARCA.
Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or on Monday, but news filtered in during the day that the Brazilian superstar would finish second behind Manchester City’s Rodri, which is how things turned out.
After learning about the results, Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony, with no club delegate attending the gala in Paris even though Los Blancos won two awards – Club of the Year and Coach of the Year (Carlo Ancelotti).
As per the report, Real Madrid’s position is crystal clear. There is a complete rupture with France Football, thanks to UEFA’s shadow looming on the horizon.
While for many years Florentino Perez’s Real Madrid elevated and helped put the Ballon d’Or back on the map, from now on, circumstances would need to change dramatically for the white club to identify with awards that their executives believe have lost all value.
The statement heard at Valdebebas on Monday, indicating they wanted nothing more to do with ‘France Football’ awards, is a clear declaration of intent that goes beyond a mere tantrum or anger over a specific incident.
Vinicius learned of Ballon d’Or result on Sunday
Vinicius and Real Madrid had planned to arrive in Paris early in the afternoon, but on Sunday evening, the Brazilian’s entourage learned that the award would not be his. Then came the doubts.
At Valdebebas, they couldn’t quite believe it, and until they could verify it on Monday morning, the trip was not aborted. This was a club decision, not one made by Ancelotti or any specific player.
The forward was the first to back out, wanting nothing to do with what was to unfold in Paris. The club decided to follow suit mid-Monday morning.
What next?
What will happen now between Real Madrid and the award organisers? UEFA’s arrival as a partner in the Ballon d’Or gala is another factor that Valdebebas views as an attack on their foundations.
Real Madrid feel deceived and believe none of this was coincidental. They hold UEFA to blame for Vinicius being snubbed, adding to the tense relations between the club and the governing body due to the Super League project.
Real Madrid do not question Rodri’s worthiness, In fact, he is a player admired at the club and there is no issue with the Manchester City ace, but with France Football and UEFA.