Vinicius Jr ‘will not win Ballon d’Or’ with new favourite identified

Another twist in the tale

Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr will not win the Ballon d’Or, Fabrizio Romano has reported, with a new favourite in line for the crown.

Results of the 2024 Ballon d’Or had reportedly been leaked on social media in the run up to the ceremony, however, it appear these may be incorrect.

The results will officially be announced in Paris on Monday night and for only the third time since 2007, the men’s prize will go to someone other than Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo given that neither have been shortlisted.

The awards show will start at approximately 7pm UK time but the results may not come as a complete surprise as a list has been shared on social media reportedly revealing the winner.

The original leaked and unconfirmed list showed Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior as the winner with 630 points, 54 more than second place Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

However, this has now been rubbished by journalists with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Vinicius Jr will not win the award nor will he be in attendance at the event in Paris.

He wrote: “BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or.

No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.”

Furthermore, the favourite seems to have been revealed by Spanish journalist, José Luis Sánchez, who has reported that the winner of the best men’s footballer in the world will be Manchester City’s Rodri.