Real Madrid boycotts Ballon d'Or; fans furious as Vinicius Junior is “hidden” in photo

In a glittering, star-studded affair replete with titles and accolades, Real Madrid were named the 2024 Ballon d'Or Men's Club of the Year in an event. Winners of the Champions League, La Liga, and the Spanish Super Cup, the Madrid team was celebrated for dominance all season. On stage, though? An unmistakable absence: no Real Madrid representative appeared to accept the trophy. It was a scene that left no doubt: The Spanish club did not want this night to be a celebration.

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Intentional, set by Real Madrid as soon as it became certain that its biggest star, Vinicius Junior, would not receive the Ballon d'Or. One of the favorites for the title of Best Player in the World, the Brazilian youngster saw the trophy given to Manchester City's Rodri. In protest, Real Madrid called off the delegation of 50-players, staff members, and executives-who were set to take part in the ceremony. The club released an official statement over its disappointment for the fact that such a decision against Vinicius was a "disrespect" to the talent. 

The Social Media Snub: Vinicius Junior "Hidden" by Ballon d'Or

But it did not stop there. Beyond the snub of their player for Best Player, Real Madrid and Vinicius fans found themselves in the most surreal of situations: the official Ballon d'Or social media account published a picture of the Real Madrid team celebrating… with Vinicius Junior's face covered on purpose by the club's logo. In the doctored image, which went viral in barely time, the Real Madrid squad seemed to celebrate, but Vinicius-one of the main players-was hidden behind the logo.

Whether it was an accident or a conscious decision is something to which we might never know the answer, but it certainly allowed for plenty of speculation. The fallout on the organization's reputation was instantaneous and brutal. The action seemed to constitute an "erasing" of Vinicius, one that further gave the impression that the Brazilian was not very well regarded by the Ballon d'Or organization. In minutes, it became the target of a storm of criticism by fans and even key figures in soccer, who called the gesture a glaring sign of disrespect.

Real Madrid and Fan Outrage

Real Madrid responded with an institutional statement: "If the award criteria don't make Vinicius the winner, the same criteria should make Carvajal the winner. That's not the case, and it's crystal clear the Ballon d'Or doesn't respect Real Madrid." And in a year full of triumphs, what was supposed to be a recognition moment ended on a sour note.

This was just the straw that broke the camel's back in the Real Madrid fan community, believing that despite all the talent in the world, Vinicius Junior once again remains undervalued by award panels.