Vinicius Jr.'s Ballon d'Or Disappointment: A Detailed Account

Recent reports have shed light on how Vinicius Jr. discovered he would not win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, a title he was widely expected to secure. In the hours leading up to the prestigious gala in Paris, rumors began circulating that the Brazilian winger would be boycotting the event. This speculation arose after he was reportedly informed that Rodri was set to be crowned the champion.

In a show of support for Vinicius, Real Madrid chose not to send any representatives to the ceremony. This decision was particularly notable given that Carlo Ancelotti had been named Coach of the Year and the team had also won the Men's Team of the Year award. The absence of Real Madrid’s presence at such a high-profile event sent ripples through the football community.

According to a report from Relevo, France Football took extensive measures to ensure the winner's name was not leaked to the press, a situation that had plagued previous award ceremonies. As the event approached, Perez grew increasingly anxious due to the lack of information coming from France Football. He expressed his astonishment at not having received any updates by the Sunday before the gala.

Later that evening, Perez learned the results and promptly shared the news with Ancelotti. Vinicius had been confident about winning, especially following a heated exchange with Barcelona midfielder Gavi during Real’s recent 4-0 defeat in El Clasico. This exchange underscored his belief that he was on the brink of receiving the award.

The young star had even promised his teammates lavish gifts, including Rolex watches, as a token of gratitude for their support throughout the season. In anticipation of his victory, Vinicius celebrated with friends and family on Sunday night, projecting an air of certainty about his win.

However, he had begun to feel some doubts. He became suspicious when France Football did not permit him to film certain segments for a Netflix documentary that chronicled his journey. Despite these concerns, he remained blissfully unaware of the outcome until the news broke.

As reports indicated, an entourage of 20 people was set to accompany Vinicius on a private jet to Paris. They had even rented a property to celebrate until the early hours of the following morning. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, and plans were firmly in place for what they expected would be a joyous occasion.

Upon receiving the disappointing news, Vinicius made the difficult decision to cancel the trip to Paris. Reports suggested that many of his friends were already dressed in suits, ready to embark on the journey when he decided to pull the plug. This abrupt change left many in his circle stunned and disheartened.

Florentino Perez felt particularly disrespected by the way the information was handled, citing a lack of prior warning about the outcome. The entire incident highlights the emotional stakes tied to football’s most prestigious individual accolade, where expectations can quickly turn to disappointment.

Vinicius's experience serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of awards in football. Despite being a two-time Champions League winner and a standout player, the nature of competition means that outcomes are never guaranteed. As the dust settles from this year's Ballon d'Or, fans and analysts alike will be left wondering how this event will shape Vinicius’s future ambitions on the field.