Vinicius Jr took to social media to react after finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Manchester City’s Rodri after Real Madrid led a boycott of Monday night’s ceremony in protest of the result.

Vinicius had been widely tipped to win the men’s award after an outstanding season, but Real Madrid delegation cancelled their trip to the Paris ceremony at the last minute when the “leaked results” of the prestigious award showed Rodri had received the most votes ahead of the Brazilian and Jude Bellingham.

The 24-year-old, who was named Champions League player of the year after playing a starring role in Real Madrid’s 15th European Cup, took to Twitter/X and posted “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.” He did not congratulate Rodri on on winning the Ballon d’Or for the first time, with the influential midfielder recognised for his role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.

Follow all the reaction from the Ballon d’Or ceremony with our live blog below:

Ballon d’Or Awards

• Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati wins Feminin

• Real Madrid boycott Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Jr loses out to Rodri

• Vinicius Junior reacts to Ballon d'Or result: ‘They’re not ready’

• Vinicius deserved to win the Ballon d’Or - his problem was that so did Rodri

Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or boycott was selfishly entitled – Vinicius Jr was no more deserving than Rodri

15:01 , Miguel Delaney

Although Rodri became just the second Spanish men’s player to lift the Ballon d’Or, the country’s premier club were barely anywhere to be seen. Despite more than one award going to the club or individuals within, nobody representing Real Madrid appeared in Paris as a dismal few days for the European champions got worse. At Manchester City, that knowledge added to the satisfaction of a worthy first winner. The relationship between the clubs is poor.

It all illustrates the increasing intrigue around an award that is supposed to be so singular, in rewarding football’s dominant individual player in a calendar year. And then some.

Real Madrid’s boycott was selfish – Rodri deserved to win the Ballon d’Or

Real Madrid planned to send 50-person entourage to Ballon d’Or

15:31 , Miguel Delaney

France Football had made a point of telling media that the Ballon d’Or decision wouldn’t leak, only for Vinicius Junior’s camp to get wind on Sunday evening that he wouldn’t be winning the award.

Connections in the Spanish football federation were stating that Rodri had won it. The player himself was said to be extremely confident, and talking about it to teammates.

It was a shock to Madrid, since they had been so confident their odds-on favourite was going to win that they were preparing to send a party of 50 to the ceremony in Paris, with a five-hour broadcast planned for their official television station.

Club president Florentino Perez immediately scrapped all of that on finding out.

‘Finally not underrated’: Gundogan’s Rodri tribute

14:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Ilkay Gundogan paid tribute to Manchester City team-mate Rodri, who he says is the “perfect midfielder”. Gundogan said he was “especially happy” to see a defensive player win the award and show football is about more than attacking talents.

“From today on he is finally not ‘underrated’ anymore Congratulations to my team-mate Rodri on wining the Ballon d’Or!” the German posted on Twitter/X.

“For me this is very well deserved! I’m especially happy that someone on a defensive position is winning this title and not always just the offensive players!

“Rodri is the perfect midfielder and there’s no one that plays his position better than he does - there are so many clubs in Europe that are looking for a world class holding midfielder, but in the end there’s only him!

“What a development in recent years.”

Harry Kane responds to Real Madrid boycott

14:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Harry Kane responded to Real Madrid’s boycott of the Ballon d’Or after sharing the Gerd Muller award with Kylian Mbappe - who was not present at the Paris ceremony.

Kane and Mbappe both scored 52 goals for club and country last season and were recognised as the world’s top goalscorers - although only Kane was there to pick up the award with Mbappe joining Real Madrid’s protest.

“It was his personal decision not to be present,” Kane said afterwards.

“We both had a very good season and, like me, he scored 52 goals. It’s a great honour to be rewarded. We’ll have to ask him why he wasn’t there, but it’s an honour to be here tonight in any case.”

Barcelona’s Ballon d’Or tweet directed at Real Madrid?

13:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Barcelona have certainly enjoyed the last few days, first winning El Clasico 4-0 at the Bernabeu and then winning a host of awards at the Ballon d’Or, including for Aitana Bonmati and Lamine Yamal.

With Real Madrid throwing their toys out of the pram and boycotting the ceremony, is it a stretch to say that this tweet from Barcelona was a subtle little dig at their rivals?

“We are truly honored to be here,” Barcelona said. “Thank you, @ballondor, for such a warm and gracious welcome.”

Pep Guardiola’s reaction to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win

13:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola reacts to Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, becoming the first Manchester City player to win the award in the club’s history.

“What can I say? First, to congratulate him and all his family and their friends, it’s incredible news for him and for all of us.

“All Manchester City, our fans, we are so proud of him. We could never have imagined this years ago, that one player could receive this prestigious award.

“We are so delighted to share it with him and hopefully, it can give him energy to recover well for next season and be with us again.”

Pep Guardiola responds to Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or boycott

12:48 , Jamie Braidwood

Pep Guardiola gives a lengthy answer when asked about Real Madrid’s decision not to attend Monday night’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, and pointed to Erling Haaland who last season won the Treble but finished second to Lionel Messi in the voting.

“Nothing to say. If they don’t want to go, it’s fine. If they want to go, it’s fine. We at Manchester City are not going to judge.

“Lst season, Erling won the treble, more than 50 goals. I said to him just being there he should be so, so happy and I said the same to Rodri. Last season, Erling should win, yes. Should Messi have won? Yes. It doesn’t matter.

“You and your teammates have done something amazing. Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It’s not an elite group, it’s journalists who vote.”

Rodri reveals message from Carvajal despite Ballon d’Or snub

12:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Rodri revealed he received a phone call from Spain team-mate and Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal - despite the club boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Real Madrid said in a statement that they did not understand why Carvajal did not meet the criteria to win the Ballon d’Or if Vinicius Jr was not awarded the top prize.

“I talked to Carvajal, he deserved it too!” Rodri told Marca. “The first call I received when I left the gala was from him.

“He’s a player with whom I’m very close, even more so now with the injury, he’s a player who shares the same values ​​as me, he congratulated me.”

Why Rodri won the Ballon d’Or

12:03 , Jamie Braidwood

Rodri has gone 52 games in the Premier League without defeat - a Manchester City record that goes all the way back to February 2023. He did not play in any of the three games they lost in the league in 2023/24.

The only games he lost last season were in the FA Cup final defeat to Manchester United at Wembley and the Champions League quarter-final defeat to Real Madrid on penalties. For Spain, Rodri has not lost since a defeat to Scotland in March 2023.

Real Madrid’s statement on Ballon d’Or ceremony

11:33 , Jamie Braidwood

Real Madrid issued a statement to the AFP after confirming they did not travel to the Ballon d’Or ceremony because of a lack of “respect”.

“If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner,” the club said.

“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.“

Rodri becomes a rare Premier League winner

11:06 , Jamie Braidwood

By winning the Ballon d’Or, Rodri becomes the first Premier League player to take the award back to England since Cristiano Ronaldo’s first prize in 2008.

Michael Owen (2001), George Best (1968), Bobby Charlton (1966), Denis Law (1964) and Stanley Matthews (1956) are the only other men’s player to win the Ballon d’Or while playing for an English club.

Jude Bellingham follows Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard

10:37 , Jamie Braidwood

Rather overshadowed by the fallout surrounding his club Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham finished third in voting for last night’s Ballon d’Or.

It’s a brilliant achievement for the 21-year-old midfielder, who becomes the first English men’s player to finish on the Ballon d’Or podium since Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard did so in 2005.

Bellingham, though, has yet to post about the Ballon d’Or on his social media and he did not attend last night’s cermony in Paris along with his Real Madrid team-mates.

How does Ballon d’Or voting work?

10:07 , Jamie Braidwood

The Ballon d’Or is awarded by an international jury of 100 journalists, with one representative of each of the countries ranked in the top 100 of the Fifa rankings.

The Ballon d’Or shortlist is chosen by the editorial staff at magazine France Football and sports daily L’Equipe.

The eligibility period runs from August to August, in this case August 2023 to August 2024, and includes international competitions such as the Euros and the Copa America.

Voters select a top 10, with 15 points for first place, 12 for second, 10 for third and so on. The player with the most points by the end is crowned the winner.

Vinicius Jr called ‘the best’ by Toni Kroos after Ballon d’Or

09:35 , Jamie Braidwood

Toni Kroos took to Instagram to call Vinicius Jr “the best” after his former Real Madrid team-mate finished second to Rodri in voting for the Ballon d’Or.

The now retired six-time Champions League winner also replied to a post from Fabrizio Romano, in which the journalist asked ‘what would you change from the the Ballon d’Or rankings?’.

Kroos replied ‘Where do we start?’

Rodri’s speech after winning the Ballon d’Or

09:07 , Jamie Braidwood

Rodri spoke very well last night after winning the Ballon d’Or last night, praising the spirit of hard work and thanked his family and team-mates for their support.

“First of all, I have to thank a very special person, my girlfriend Laura, today is our eighth anniversary. Without her, things would not be the same.

“My family, of course, the values they have taught me, showing me the right steps to take and helping me to become the man I am today.

“A very special person, my agent Paulo, when you took me to matches, feeding my dreams. I also want to thank my teammates because without them I would not be here as football is a team game. It’s very special for me, Manchester City is the best club in the world, thanks to them things have been much easier. I want to thank Luis De La Fuente for trusting me.

“I want to mention my teammates with whom I won the Euro title with, especially Dani Carvajal who suffered the same injury that I suffered. Lamine Yamal, I know you will win this award soon. This is a victory for Spanish football and many of my friends have written to me to say, ‘Football has won today!”

“Lastly, I would like to tell you a story that led me here, when I was 17, I packed my suitcase to fulfil a dream. One day I cried to my father, it’s all over, I invested my life to get here and that was it. My father said, we came all the way here, let’s keep going and this is something that changed my mindset. I am a nomal kid with values, I know what a hard worker is, thank you very much.”

Real Madrid scrap Ballon d’Or broadcast and cancel 50-person trip

08:40 , Jamie Braidwood

The result of the Ballon d’or was such as a shock to Real Madrid that they were preparing to send a party of 50 to the ceremony in Paris, reports the Independent’s Miguel Delaney.

The club had also planned a five-hour broadcast for their official television station but club president Florentino Perez immediately scrapped the show on finding out Vinicius Jr was second.

Real Madrid hit out against ‘football politics'

08:24 , Jamie Braidwood

Real Madrid’s furious reaction to the Ballon ‘Or result has continued, with Eduardo Camavinga posting in support of his team-mate Vinicius Jr and hitting out against “football politics”.

“My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro,” Camavinga posted, alongside a photo of himself and the Brazil forward.

Vinicius Junior deserved to win the Ballon d’Or - his problem was that so did Rodri

07:00 , Jamie Braidwood

Although Rodri became just the second Spanish men’s player to lift the Ballon d’Or, the country’s premier club was barely anywhere to be seen. Despite more than one award going to the club or individuals within, nobody representing Real Madrid appeared in Paris as a dismal few days for the European champions got worse. At Manchester City, that knowledge added to the satisfaction of a worthy first ever club winner. The relationship between the clubs, especially at that media level, is poor.

It all illustrates the increasing intrigue around an award that is supposed to be so singular, in rewarding football’s dominant individual player in a calendar year. And then some.

Miguel Delaney on the Ballon d’Or:

Vinicius deserved to win Ballon d’Or - his problem was so did Rodri

Ballon d'Or LIVE

06:00 , Karl Matchett

Vinicius Junior took to social media to react after finishing second in the Ballon d’Or voting behind Manchester City’s Rodri - and rather than any kind of congratulations to the Spanish star, vowed to repeat his own campaign “ten times” over if he needed to, to earn recognition with the game’s top individual prize.

The Brazilian forward had been seen as the favourite to win for most of the build-up towards the France Football ceremony in Paris on Monday night, but shortly beforehand, rumours emerged that Rodri had in fact claimed top spot in voting.

Vinicius Junior reacts to Ballon d'Or result: ‘They’re not ready’

Ballon d'Or LIVE

05:00 , Karl Matchett

Two deserving winners on stage tonight - but so too were two absolute giants of the game, Ballon d’Or winners in the 1990s: Hristo Stoichkov and George Weah.

Complete legends both.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

04:00 , Karl Matchett

Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe scored 52 goals apiece so shared the Gerd Muller Trophy. Just Kane collected it of course.

"Thank you to my club Bayern Munich, all my staff, team-mates, for helping me score all the goals I scored," the England captain said. "It's an honour to take this award from a club legend (Karl-Heinz Rummenigge), thank you very much."

Ballon d'Or LIVE

03:00 , Karl Matchett

Plenty of smiles and celebrations for those who bothered to turn up - and for Emma Hayes, with a recorded message for her triumph as the top coach in the women’s game.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

02:00 , PA

Bit of a clean sweep for Spanish football tonight!

Rodri became the third person not named Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo to claim the award since 2008. It was the first time since 2003 in which neither Messi nor Ronaldo made the final 30-man list of nominees.

Portugal's Ronaldo, who has won the award five times and was the last Premier League player to win it in 2008, also failed to receive a nomination last year after moving to Saudi Arabia. Messi, who won for a record eighth time in 2023, missed out despite Argentina's Copa America triumph.

Rodri has only lost a match once in the past 18 months - City's surprise FA Cup final defeat by Manchester United last season.

Earlier, Rodri's national teammate Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best Under-21 player by helping Spain to a perfect Euro 2024 campaign, winning all seven games en route to lifting the trophy.

Bonmati won the women's Ballon d'Or for the second consecutive year while compatriot Jennifer Hermoso was awarded the Socrates Award for her role in the fight for women's rights in football and her courageous stance against sexism in sport.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

01:00 , PA

Real Madrid had somewhat signalled Rodri's success before the ceremony began as their delegation cancelled their trip to the French capital.

In a statement reported by Spanish newspaper AS, the club said: "If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to (Dani) Carvajal as the winner.

"As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or does not respect Real Madrid. Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

Yet Madrid finished the night with two awards and a share of a third, and with four players in the top six in the final ranking for the men's Ballon d'Or - Vinicius, Bellingham, Carvajal and Kylian Mbappe, who finished sixth in the voting, one place behind Rodri's team-mate Erling Haaland.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

00:01 , AP

"Incredible night for me," said Rodri, who is out for the season after injuring his ACL last month and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. "One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.

"I just want to say thank you again to the people who recognize my value in the game," he said. "When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d'Or, but in the last years I've been playing the highest level."

"He is a player completely without ego, whose performance level over a very long period of time has been exceptional," Man City's director of football Txiki Begiristain said. "The consistency he has shown is the result of hard work and dedication."

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 23:00 , Karl Matchett

This isn’t going to go away is it? Real Madrid calling something “politics” when they opted to not turn up at all...honestly, it’s such a cry-baby response from one of the world’s most privileged clubs.

They’ll doubtless frame it as focusing on the job at hand but they certainly haven’t missed out on turning up when they’ve been winning the biggest prizes.

No pre-recorded messages or any kind of acknowledgement tonight and they won or shared in the manager award, club award and Gerd Muller trophy.

For his part, Vinicius’ tweet reads: “I’ll do it ten times if I have to. They’re not ready.”

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 22:30 , Karl Matchett

What a night for these two. Two Spain midfielders, two absolutely dominant forces in their game.

Aitana Bonmati, a second triumph for her in the Ballon d’Or.

Rodri, a first victory for him in the award - and for a defensive midfielder.

Vinicius Junior deserved to win the Ballon d’Or - his problem was that so did Rodri

Monday 28 October 2024 22:14 , Karl Matchett

Although Rodri became just the second Spanish men’s player to lift the Ballon d’Or, the country’s premier club was barely anywhere to be seen. Despite more than one award going to the club or individuals within, nobody representing Real Madrid appeared in Paris as a dismal few days for the European champions got worse. At Manchester City, that knowledge added to the satisfaction of a worthy first ever club winner. The relationship between the clubs, especially at that media level, is poor.

It all illustrates the increasing intrigue around an award that is supposed to be so singular, in rewarding football’s dominant individual player in a calendar year. And then some.

France Football had nevertheless made a point of telling media that the Ballon d’Or decision absolutely wouldn’t leak, only for Vinicius Junior’s camp to get wind on Sunday evening that he wouldn’t be winning the award. Connections in the Spanish football federation were stating that Rodri had won it. The player himself was said to be extremely confident, and talking about it to teammates.

It was a shock to Madrid, since they had been so confident their odds-on favourite was going to win it that they were preparing to send a party of 50 to the ceremony in Paris, with a five-hour broadcast planned for their official television station. Club president Florentino Perez immediately scrapped all of that on finding out.

Miguel Delaney with the story of tonight’s Ballon d’Or - and why Rodri was a worthy winner

Vinicius deserved to win Ballon d’Or - his problem was so did Rodri

Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati claims Feminin award second year running

Monday 28 October 2024 22:01 , Karl Matchett

Aitana Bonmati has won the Ballon d’Or Feminin award for the second year running, while Rodri pipped Vinicius Junior to the men’s Ballon d’Or award in a surprising outcome at the 2024 edition of the ceremony.

Full report:

Rodri wins Ballon d’Or as Bonmati claims Feminin award for second time

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:58 , Karl Matchett

Rodri explains a bit about the development of his game and says he’ll celebrate tonight with those who have supported him in the bad moments.

He also adds he’s progressing well with his injury.

Vinicius (second) and Bellingham (third) are confirmed as the podium finishers.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:49 , Karl Matchett

Rodri is helped up to take his trophy and then Drogba has to help him over to the microphone.

“Incredible night for me, I’ve got so many people thank,” he starts - and reveals it’s the eighth anniversary for he and his partner. Rodri’s family are in attendance and he thanks them for their support.

Manchester City, Uefa, Spain and France Football - they all get a mention.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:44 , Karl Matchett

The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is...

Rodri!

Plenty of shouts of “Vini” in the background, but it’s the Manchester City midfielder who heads up on stage...on crutches of course!

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:43 , Karl Matchett

Four finalists then:

Carvajal, Rodri, Vinicius, Bellingham. Where’s your prediction? We’re about to find out...

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:36 , Karl Matchett

It’s George Weah to present the award - the only African winner of the Ballon d’Or to date.

The Liberian legend, president of his nation from 2018 to 2024, will be reading out the name of the winner.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:35 , Karl Matchett

So, the four remaining after Erling Haaland placed in fifth are:

Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Rodri. Three from Real Madrid, one from Manchester City.

Who walks away as a first-time winner tonight? Well only one can walk away technically, three aren’t here...

Anyway, it’s coming up now.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:32 , Karl Matchett

That’s the women’s award all wrapped up for the night - we’re going through a countdown of the 30 to five now in the men’s and then we’ll be onto the podium and winners there too.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:26 , Karl Matchett

Caroline Graham Hansen in second and Salma Paralluelo third have just been announced as the podium finishers, making it a clean sweep for Barcelona in this year’s Ballon d’Or voting.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:20 , Karl Matchett

Aitana Bonmati, double Ballon d’Or winner.

The undisputed top player in the world of women’s football, she has won everything and doesn’t appear to be stopping any time soon.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:17 , Karl Matchett

“Thank you for the applause, as always I say I can’t be here alone, I’m very fortunate to play with amazing players.”

Bonmati thanks her teammates, family and the wider Barcelona club, as well as noting Caroline Graham Hansen had an incredible season and could well have been the winner.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:15 , Karl Matchett

Aitana Bonmati retains her trophy and wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or Feminin award!

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:14 , Karl Matchett

Women’s big award now - Ballon d’Or Feminin time!

It’s ....Natalie Portman is handing over the award.

“It feels like the Oscars for football,” she says. “We live in Paris so we end up going to [watch] PSG a lot”.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:10 , Karl Matchett

And for the Men’s Johan Cruyff coach award - it’s Carlo Ancelotti.

Of course he’s a Real Madrid manager so...not there.

No thank you video, no recorded message.

“I’m disappointed not to see my former coach but congratulations Carlo”, says Drogba - that’s the only acknowledgement of Real Madrid not being here tonight.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:09 , Karl Matchett

Emma Hayes has won the first Women’s Johan Cruyff coach award!

“I’m very honoured to be awarded the first Ballon d’Or for a coach of the women’s game. I want to say a big congratulations to the nominees, I respect all the coaches hugely and understand how challenging our work is.

“Thank you for a magical summer in France, a beautiful country and I’m very honoured!”

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:07 , Karl Matchett

Stoichkov on his former boss Johan Cruyff: “It’s very important to have a coach, a friend and a gentleman [like Cruyff]. He did a lot for me, he was patient with me and I wouldn’t know as much if not for him.”

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 21:02 , Karl Matchett

The manager awards are being renamed as the Johan Cruyff Trophies, for the best men’s and women’s coaches.

Hristo Stoichkov is magnificently on stage to deliver the trophy, alongside Jordi Cruyff.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:58 , Karl Matchett

Men’s ranking, next up:

7th: Lautaro Martinez, Inter

6th: Kylian Mbappe, PSG/Real Madrid

5th: Erling Haaland, Man City

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:56 , Karl Matchett

The Socrates Award winner is Jennifer Hermoso.

The Spain player speaks about her work towards equality on and off the pitch and to provide a future for female players.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:54 , Karl Matchett

Next up in the Feminin:

7th: Marie-Antoinette Katoto, PSG

6th: Mallory Swanson, Chicago Red Stars

5th: Lindsey Horan, Lyon

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:47 , Karl Matchett

Gigi Donnarumma, Andriy Lunin, Mike Maignan, Emi Martinez and Unai Simon are the contenders.

And the winner...

Emiliano Martinez! A few boos for the Argentina goalkeeper as he walks up the steps, which is par for the course if you irritate as many people as he does.

It’s back-to-back wins of this award for the Aston Villa No.1.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:43 , Karl Matchett

We’re onto the Yashin Trophy now - also called the Yachine Trophy in some places - which is of course the top goalkeeper award.

Slightly bizarrely, it’s striker Lautaro Martinez who appears to be delivering it - but perhaps the reason for that is a compatriot being about to win?

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:34 , Karl Matchett

Women’s team win award. Man takes opportunity to talk about men’s team.

Good awareness, Joan Laporta.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:31 , Karl Matchett

A quick look back at Lamine getting his award - don’t think this is the last time he’ll be a top-ten finisher in the Ballon d’Or award, do you?!

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:24 , Karl Matchett

Time for the Gerd Muller trophy - the top scorer, with a pair netting 52 goals last season.

Unsurprising winners if you were keeping count: Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe.

The England striker thanks France Football and acknowledges the legend of Karl-Heinze Rummenigge, who presents him with the award.

Mbappe, of course, is not there - nobody from Real Madrid appears to be.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:19 , Karl Matchett

The family of the Kaiser are on stage for the tribute to the iconic German.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:16 , Karl Matchett

NOBODY.

Nobody at all is there from Real Madrid to collect or acknowledge the award. A quick word from Drogba and they move on swiftly to a look back at the career and life of Franz Beckenbauer, who died in January.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:12 , Karl Matchett

Next few men:

10th: Harry Kane, Bayern and England

9th: Toni Kroos, retired (Germany)

8th: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain.

And the men’s club of the year: Real Madrid.

Let’s see who is actually here to collect the award...

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:11 , Karl Matchett

Not sure why but Laporta’s rambling after saying how well the women’s team have done ended in thanking Hansi Flick and the rest of the men’s team for making the world “love” Barcelona again.

Bit weird, that, at the very least weird timing. Anyway, on we go.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:09 , Karl Matchett

Joan Laporta accepts the award alongside captain Alexia Putellas after yet another year of winning...well, everything.

Alexia invites the rest of the team who are present up on stage to take the applause.

Ballon d'Or LIVE

Monday 28 October 2024 20:06 , Karl Matchett

Two updates in a row. First the next three from the Ballon d’Or Feminin:

10th: Alexia Putellas

9th: Trinity Rodman

8th: Mariona Caldentey

And now the women’s club of the year...which once again goes to Barcelona Femeni!

Real Madrid boycott Ballon d’Or with Vinicius Jr set to lose out to Rodri

Monday 28 October 2024 20:04 , Karl Matchett

Real Madrid’s players did not turn up to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris because they believe star forward Vinicius Jr will be beaten to the top prize by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri.

According to reports, the Real Madrid delegation cancelled their trip to Monday night’s ceremony at the last minute when the “leaked results” of the prestigious award showed Rodri had received the most votes ahead of Vinicius and Jude Bellingham.

Real Madrid were thrashed 4-0 by rivals Barcelona in Saturday night’s Clasico and there has since been a total blackout of posts on the club’s social media channels, with no acknowledgment of the Ballon d’Or ceremony.

Real Madrid boycott Ballon d’Or with Vinicius Jr set to lose out to Rodri