“This one was for a Real Madrid player” – Perez fumes at 2024 Ballon d’Or snub

Last month there was a lot of controversy surrounding the 2024 Ballon d'Or award. Vinicius Junior was the favorite to take home the win, but in the end Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernandez was the winner.

Real Madrid became aware that Rodri would be the winner on the day of the awards, and at the last minute they decided to boycott the event in protest of the result. Florentino Perez is said to have led this decision and during the club's General Meeting on Sunday he publicly discussed the matter (via Marca).

“The Ballon d'Or is an event that UEFA has organized together with France Football for the first time in history. I want to say that Rodri is a great footballer and he is from Madrid and he has our affection. He deserved a Ballon d'Or, but not this year, but last year. This one was for a Real Madrid player. The shouting was for Vinicius, but it could also have been for our captain, Carvajal. Or even Bellingham. It's very difficult to explain.”

Real Madrid are unlikely to pass up the Ballon d'Or sweets any time soon, although their players will be keen to ensure the prize comes home in 2025.