Five hours before the most important football gala in the world, Real Madrid decided to leave their seats empty when they found out that Vinicius Jr. would not be the winner.

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Florentino Pérez plants the Ballon d'Or and makes it clear that Madrid does not forget offences

Real Madrid and its president, Florentino Pérez, do not forgive or pass one by. The Ballon d'Or Gala has ignited tempers at the Santiago Bernabéu, where the decision not to award Vinícius Junior was seen as the straw that broke the camel's back in a long list of grievances. And the response was swift: not a single representative of the club walked the red carpet in Paris, a walkout that reverberated throughout European football and signalled that the club was not prepared to stand idly by in the face of what they considered a ‘lack of respect’ from the award's organisers.

Last night, while the top brass of international football gathered to celebrate the best players of the season, the ranks were closing at Valdebebas. Real Madrid had planned a trip to the French capital with half a hundred people, convinced that their Brazilian star would win the coveted trophy. However, just hours before the ceremony, Madrid received the news that turned their plans upside down: Vinícius would not be the winner. This led to the firm and forceful decision to cancel the trip, leaving their seats empty at the Chatelet Theatre, where other names would take the plaudits of the night.

A ‘betrayal’ that Madrid will not forget

Madrid's disappointment is not only due to the defeat of Vinícius, but to a series of decisions that, for the club, go beyond sporting matters. At Valdebebas they believe there are political factors and personal interests at play, a suspicion fuelled in part by UEFA's recent association with the Ballon d'Or. Los Blancos officials believe that UEFA's involvement as co-organisers of the award has tipped the scales against their player, who they see as the clear winner of the statuette for his outstanding performances last season, which included La Liga and Champions League doubles and several decisive performances in Europe.

For Real Madrid, the Ballon d'Or should have gone to a player who, in the club's words, ‘had no competition’ this year. From their perspective, Vinícius not only shone on an individual level with his 24 goals and 11 assists, but he was the driving force behind a Madrid side that won domestic and international titles. Even club officials have let it slip that, if there was any legitimate competition for the Brazilian, it was Dani Carvajal, a player who also had an exceptional season.

A stand-off on behalf of Vinícius and Spanish football

The situation left a bad taste in the mouth of the club, who saw the gala as a missed opportunity to celebrate Spanish football and showcase the strength of their squad. Vinícius' absence from the event, decided in consensus with the club, was a symbolic act that for many analysts represents a high-calibre snub to an award that, until recently, Real Madrid helped to enhance.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente - who was up for the best coach award - also gave his opinion on Real Madrid's absence from the Ballon d'Or 2024 Gala: ‘It's not good for football that an entity like Real Madrid is not present at a gala of this nature. Everyone makes the decisions they have to make, but I would like to see the whole of world and Spanish football represented, and we are responsible for leaving it in the best possible place’.

Vinícius himself made his position clear, and as soon as it was confirmed that Rodri Hernández would take the Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian shared a brief but forceful message on his social networks: ‘I will do it 10 times if necessary. They are not ready’. These words make it clear that the striker has not lost faith in himself and that, although the trophy has been elusive this time, he will try again until his talent is recognised worldwide.

A conflict with no way back

The tension between Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or organisers is not new, but the Paris stand-off marks a point of no return. For Florentino Pérez, this year's ceremony represents a ‘lack of respect’ for the club and its players, something they are not prepared to tolerate. The White directors believe that the award has lost its impartiality and that the ‘rules’ are not being applied fairly. ‘This award is for players who excel individually, collectively and in fair play. Vinícius fulfilled all of them and has not been valued as such,’ said a source close to the club.

And while this is the first time Madrid have publicly rejected an invitation to the Ballon d'Or, the message is clear: the club has no interest in continuing a relationship with an organisation they perceive as biased and lacking in transparency. Los Blancos' stance has been stern, and according to statements in Valdebebas, it is a “total rupture” that will not change anytime soon.