Just in – Man City superstar has beaten Vinicius to the 2024 Ballon d’Or; Bellingham third | OneFootball

In a shocking development, journalist Jose Luis Sanchez of El Chiringuito TV and several other sources in Spain are now reporting that Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid has not won the 2024 Ballon d’Or.

The 24-year-old Real Madrid superstar was widely tipped to be the winner of the Golden Orb tonight at the gala in Paris. In fact, reports had suggested that the Brazilian had already been intimated about his triumph.

But in a surprise twist, it is now being reported that Manchester City midfielder Rodri has ended up winning the Ballon d’Or, ahead of Vinicius.

Rodri, who won the Premier League with Manchester City and the UEFA Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team – where he was named the Player of the Tournament, is understood to have been voted as the Ballon d’Or winner for 2024.

Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or as per reports. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

As per the report, Vinicius has finished in second place in the Ballon d’Or rankings while his Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham has taken the third position ahead of the likes of Dani Carvajal and Lautaro Martinez.

Real Madrid and Vinicius’ entourage have been surprised by the development and as a result, are set to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris tonight.

More details awaited, but this is certain to spark great debate within the football fraternity, considering that Vinicius had enjoyed a tremendous campaign last season and was seen as the overwhelming favourite to win the prestigious honour.

After all, the Brazilian won the La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Spanish Super Cup titles while being named the Player of the Tournament in the Champions League.