Not even the Ballon d’Or winner knows the result until tonight’s gala, sources from the award’s organizers, France Football, told EFE.
According to sources within the Ballon d’Or organization, established in 1956 by France Football, the winners remains unknown to everyone—even the recipients—until the Ballon d’Or ceremony itself.
This clarification came after Real Madrid canceled their delegation’s trip to Paris, in their firm belief that their Brazilian forward, Vinicius, would not claim the trophy, despite being the predicted favorite.
France Football confirms the Ballon d’Or winner does not know until the event
The organizers were quick to set the record straight, noting that this year, unlike in previous years, France Football, collaborating with UEFA for the first time in hosting the gala, has not informed the winner ahead of time.
Furthermore, organizers added that there was no traditional interview or photo shoot with the winner and the trophy, which typically appears in the following issue of the French publication. Nor was the player’s club notified in advance, with organizers expressing that they found “Real Madrid’s position incomprehensible.”
Believing Vinicius, who led his team to Champions League and La Liga victories, was set to win, Real Madrid had announced they would not be represented in Paris. This decision fueled speculation that Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri—who won the Euros and the Premier League—might, in fact, take home the honor.
kukcdorst
178
they did Vinny dirty, he actually deserved it... it's well😮💨
Fedabdeios
100
Vini was robbed
EmmanuelSchatz
95
Lions don't argue with sheep's. When Madrid win something they say is not a well deserved award.....now look at them they are all talking against Madrid simply because they are the best in the whole world wide. It's time to open our eyes widely to know that corruption is now everywhere. Hala Madrid forever... the cheats have finally succeeded in what they want to do.......
dioeilmsuy
65
FIFA has proven they are fully in support of racism alongside Spain, ignoring a well deserved Black man of an award and yet using a Black man to handover the same award to a so-called white (yellow color man) breed.. If I were George M. Weah I wouldn't have played such shameful role🤌🤌. Football has lost its integrity and credibility..
Kikeklmptz
45
I am Barcelona and Spain hardcore fan but honestly Vinicius deserves Balloon Dor more than anyone
yabbiklmru
31
I thought is only Ghanian leaders that are corrupt not knowing that they have corrupt Master somewhere
Musinosz
29
you can't believe the criteria they use.. carvajal won everything uefa, euro and laliga but why can't he win the balloon d'Or
Lanora
25
Even Rodri knows, Vini is the winner, that's why he was supprised when called up, knowing Vini is not present at the ceremony
maekmnz
25
Just because Vini and Jude are black they can't win. look at the women and men winners all white.
Vawbcklopz
23
It'should no longer be called Ballon d'Or. It should be renamed "Bribery d'Or"
maekmnz
22
vini was clear winner. well done real Madrid for shaning the disgraced ceremony. There is alot of corruption in the selecting of winner. surely what did Rodri do to win?
Vinkezi
13
The award always loses its credibility when a Real Madrid player doesnt win it. We were here when Modric won the Ballon D'or with his 6 goals in a season ahead of players that scored more goals.. Today some sore losers are busy shouting robbery because the award was deservedly given to a defensive midfielder who worked his socks off for both club and National team.. The truth is, every top contender for the award can stake a claim. Kane got over 50 goals and also got to final of Euros. Bellingham was best player in la liga, won UCL and got to final of Euros. Cavarjal basically won everything during the time under review. Mbappe won the league and went on to win super cup with madrid scoring many goals. What about Haaland ? Highest goalscorer, won the league too. So what are we saying, really? Anybody in this list would have probably deserve it. If we agree its truly done via voting, then we should accept the outcome. Congratulations to Rodri! It's very well deserved!