France Football’s Decisive Response to Real Madrid over the Ballon d’Or
Not even the winner of the Ballon d’Or knows they’ve won until the ceremony tonight, according to the organizers of the trophy created in 1956 by France Football magazine.
After Real Madrid’s delegation canceled their trip to Paris for the ceremony, convinced that their Brazilian forward Vinícius would not be the winner—as all predictions seemed to indicate—the organizers wanted to make a few clarifications.
Unlike previous editions, they noted, this time France Football, which is organizing the ceremony jointly with UEFA for the first time, has not informed the winner in advance.
Additionally, they said, the traditional interview with the winner and the photo shoot with the trophy for the upcoming issue of the French publication were not conducted.
Nor was the club informed that one of their players would be the winner, according to the organizers, who described Real Madrid’s stance as “incomprehensible.”
The club, which was convinced that Vinícius, the Champions League and La Liga winner, would be chosen, announced that it would not be represented in Paris.
This sparked speculation that the award could go to Manchester City’s Spanish player Rodri, winner of the European Championship and the Premier League.