Real Madrid fume over ‘double standards’, question Ballon d’Or criteria after Vinicius, Carvajal snubbed | OneFootball

Just when it seemed the week could not get worse for Real Madrid after the 4-0 hammering in El Clasico, shocking reports have brought to light that Vinicius Jr will not win the Ballon d’Or later tonight.

The Brazilian phenom was the overwhelming favourite to pick up the award after leading Los Blancos to the UEFA Champions League and La Liga.

Now, however, Manchester City’s Rodrigo appears to have outdone Vinicius in the race at the last minute and will pick up the trophy for his Euro 2024 performance and the Premier League-winning run with Pep Guardiola’s side.

Real Madrid will not travel

With Vinicius not winning the award despite being the top favourite, Real Madrid have decided not to travel to the ceremony and there will be no representation from the Spanish capital.

It is clear that the Spanish capital club have been taken by surprise by the development, and, AS sheds further light on the real reason why the delegation will not travel.

While there is disappointment about Vinicius not winning the award, Los Blancos are appalled at the double standards over the selection criteria with Rodri emerging as the winner.

Carvajal also overlooked for Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

After all, if international accolades are given as much importance, Dani Carvajal is a deserved winner.

The right-back not only won the same titles at the club level as Vinicius Jr. but was also an integral part of Spain’s run to the Euro title, thus outdoing both Vinicius and Rodri in terms of accolades.

France Football and UEFA’s decision to overlook his achievements and apply the criteria only to Manchester City’s midfielder makes it clear to the club that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid.

“If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. The Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Madrid; and Madrid will not go where it is not respected,” voices from the club state.

Real Madrid strongly believe that the decision to choose the winner has been made based on interests other than footballing ones, and have decided not to travel.