Real Madrid 'source' delivers furious statement accusing Ballon d'Or and UEFA of 'disrespect' after learning Vinicius Jr 'will lose award' to Rodri

Real Madrid superstar Vinicius had been viewed as the favourite to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or for his performances as the Brazilian helped Los Blancos win the La Liga and Champions League double. However, reports on Monday afternoon have suggested that Real Madrid have been made aware that Manchester City and Spain star Rodri will win the prestigious award in Paris on Monday evening.

Vinicius and an entourage of Real Madrid players and members, as well as the 24-year-old's family, were supposed to travel to Paris to attend the ceremony. However, once the news of Rodri's Ballon d'Or win came to the forefront, the Brazilian decided to cancel the trip. It was then decided that others members of Madrid's camp wouldn't attend in protest. As per AS, a Real Madrid source has stated that Real Madrid feel 'disrespected' by UEFA and France Football, organisers of the award, for the snub as they believed that if Vinicius wasn't handed the award, it should've gone to his team-mate Dani Carvajal.

Speaking to Spanish publication AS, the unnamed source stated: "If the criteria of the award do not proclaim Vinicius the winner, those same criteria must proclaim Carvajal the winner. Since this has not been the case, it is obvious that the Ballon d'Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid is not where it is not respected."

The Ballon d'Or ceremony is set to take place in Paris at the Theatre du Chatelet and the proceedings will begin at 7pm GMT, and Rodri is now the likeliest candidate to win the trophy.