Ballon D'or 2024: Vinicius Junior sends a mysterious message to organizers of the award

Following Manchester City midfielder Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory, Vinicius Junior sent a brief message to the football community. His Real Madrid teammates shared their support on social media. The Brazilian had long been the favourite until a late twist suggested that the Spaniard had won the vote, prompting Vinicius and Real Madrid to boycott the ceremony.

The Brazilian and his Real Madrid teammates boycotted Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory, but Vinicius Junior sent a mysterious message after the game.

Following an incredible season in the Spanish capital, where he won both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Vinicius was the favorite of the bookmakers.

He was named the favorite for the award because of his exceptional performances, which included scoring in Madrid's victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final.

On Monday morning, however, rumors started to spread that Rodri had won the vote, which was chosen by 100 journalists from the top 100 FIFA member countries.

Even though the team, manager, and players won numerous awards during the evening, Madrid then declared hours before the ceremony that they would not be attending.

Shortly after Rodri's victory in Paris on Monday, the Madrid winger wrote on X: "I will do it 10x if I have to." They're not ready."

Real Madrid, who lost to bitter rivals Barcelona 4-0 in Saturday night's Clasico, made no mention of the ceremony on various social media platforms.

Vinicius' teammates expressed their opinions on the result, with Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni supporting their colleague on social media.

"My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro," said Camavinga.

"Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know…They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver. Love," said Tchouameni.

"I want to thank my family, my president, my club, my players, and above all Vini and [Dani] Carvajal," wrote Men's Coach of the Year winner Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid.

Los Blancos won their 15th European Cup and 36th La Liga title, earning them a spot on the Men's Team of the Year despite their absence. Unfortunately, no one was present to accept the club's award, and the ceremony swiftly ended.

The Coach of the Year award and the Gerd Muller Trophy were similar. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe were named joint recipients of the former, but the England striker went up on stage by himself to be interviewed.

Spanish athletes took home the top honors in both the men's and women's divisions, with Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati winning the Ballon d'Or Feminin for the second time in a row.