Real Madrid Crowned Best Club of the Year at 2024 Ballon d'Or
In a ceremony marked by controversy and a notable absence, Real Madrid was awarded the title of best club of the year at the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony held at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. Despite winning the Champions League and La Liga last season, the club chose to boycott the event, believing that their star player, Vinicius Junior, would not win the coveted Ballon d'Or award. This decision created an atmosphere of unease during the ceremony, as host Didier Drogba briefly acknowledged the award before moving on.
The Context Behind Real Madrid's Boycott
Real Madrid's boycott was triggered by leaked information suggesting that Rodri Hernández of Manchester City was favored to win the Ballon d'Or, rather than Vinicius Junior, who had been the frontrunner for several weeks. The last-minute decision not to attend the gala, which included a delegation of 50 individuals, was made after the club received confirmation of the leaked list. This absence raised questions about the club's relationship with the event, especially since UEFA began collaborating with France Football for the awards this year.
A Year of Triumphs and Challenges for Real Madrid
Despite the controversy surrounding the Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid had a remarkable year in 2024. They clinched their fifteenth Champions League title, defeating Borussia Dortmund in the final, and had an impressive run in La Liga, remaining unbeaten for 42 matches before recently losing to FC Barcelona. However, the club has faced challenges in recent weeks, including a defeat to Lille in the Champions League, raising concerns about their current form as they navigate a competitive season.
