Scottish player will be only Real Madrid representation at Ballon d’Or ceremony

Real Madrid remain at odds with France Football, because Vinicius Junior did not win the award last year when they thought he should have. The Brazilian is one of seven nominees up for awards this evening, but will not send any institutional representation to the gala event in Paris.

Last year Los Blancos were set to send a sizable delegation to the event in Paris, but after getting wind of the fact that Rodri Hernandez of Manchester City was set to claim the award ahead of Vinicius, decided not to attend the gala event. The call was made by President Florentino Perez, and despite Real Madrid winning ‘Team of the Year’ and Carlo Ancelotti winning ‘Manager of the Year’, none of their ranks were in attendance to collect their awards.

There had been some suggestion that Real Madrid may send figurehead Emilio Butragueno to the event this time round, but at no point was their any suggestion that Men’s Ballon d’Or nominees Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius would attend. Thibaut Courtois is up for the Yashin award for the best goalkeeper again, while Dean Huijsen and Linda Caicedo are up for the Kopa award too.

Diario AS assure that Butragueno will not be attending. Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was asked about the Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid’s presence, but said his focus was entirely on their clash with Levante on Tuesday night. The reason for their absence is explained as ‘mistreatement by L’Equipe, France Football and UEFA’.

Los Blancos have given their players freedom to attend the event though, something that was not the case last year, and Scotland international and Real Madrid Femenino star Caroline Weir will travel. The number 10 is nominated for the Ballon d’Or for the women’s game, and is the only one of the seven that will be present at the event, accompanied by someone from the club, but not in an official capacity.