People think Vinicius Jr. and Real Madrid decided to boycott the Ballon d’Or simply because they didn’t win, but that misses the point entirely. Real Madrid’s issue isn’t with Man City or Rodri; their primary frustration lies with UEFA.
For months, UEFA, in collaboration with France Football, used media channels to assure Vinicius that he was the guaranteed winner of the Ballon d’Or. They didn’t just suggest he was a “favorite”—they communicated that “Vinicius has won the Ballon d’Or; it’s a done deal.”
This left Vinicius feeling entitled to the award, certain it was his. He informed family, friends, and others, all ready to celebrate this historic achievement with him.
However, in the end, it wasn’t UEFA that informed him he wouldn’t be receiving the Ballon d’Or. Instead, it was officials from Man City who notified Real Madrid that Rodri had won, revealing UEFA and France Football’s double-dealing with Vinicius and Real Madrid.
Faced with this blatant display of disrespect, Real Madrid chose to boycott the event rather than accept such treatment toward one of their own. UEFA and France Football’s actions humiliated Vinicius and Real Madrid, and unfortunately, it had the desired effect: Vinicius has been made to look foolish after being led to believe he would win.
This decision to boycott wasn’t out of bitterness over losing or any issue with Man City or Rodri. It was a response to the disrespect and public humiliation that Vinicius endured.
