Real Madrid, winner of La Liga and UEFA Champions League, decided to award the Golden Ball trophy, organized by the French magazine "France Football", since it is not convinced that its Brazilian star player Vinicius Junior will receive the award for the best player. At the same time, the organization of the Golden Ball asserts that "no club or player" already knows the winner of the award.
Real Madrid announced on Monday that "if the criteria for awarding the prize do not lead to the selection of Vinicius as the winner, then the same criteria should select Carvajal". Previously, winners of the award received personal invitations several days before the ceremony, inviting all candidates to participate in it. It can be inferred from Real's statement that neither Vinicius Junior, nor Dani Carvajal, nor Englishman Jude Bellingham, who are all considered very likely candidates for the title of best player of the club, do not win the prestigious award, leaving the door open for Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri.
Rodri, winner of the 2024 European Cup with "La Roja", received the award for best player at the continental tournament from UEFA and shows excellent results in the English Premier League. The award of the Golden Ball is held based on the results of the voting of the jury, consisting of journalists, representing the best 100 countries according to the FIFA ranking.
