Major change made to Ballon d’Or awards but fans still convinced winner of top prize has been leaked

THE Ballon d’Or awards ceremony will undergo a major change this year that could add some suspense to the occasion.

There could be a new winner this year as neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo have been nominated for the award.

The awards ceremony will take place on October 28 where the Ballon d’Or and Ballon d’Or Feminin winners being announced, along with the Kopa Trophy and Yashin Trophy winners.

Jude Bellingham won the Kopa Trophy last year as he was recognised as the best young player in the world, and he is now one of the favourites for the top gong.

And in a major change to the ceremony the Ballon d’Or winner will not be informed of their prize before the night gets underway.

In previous years France Football have held interviews with the winner prior to their name being announced on stage.

According to The Athletic reporter Mario Cortegana that interview will no longer take place which should add a layer of suspense to the evening.

However it has been claimed the winner has already been leaked and the victor informed of their prize.

Spanish outlet Marca, who have leaked previous winners, reported the news suggesting “all roads lead to Vinicius Jr”.

Real Madrid star Vinicius is a Ballon d’Or favourite after producing 24 goals and 11 assists last season, including a goal in the Champions League final.

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His team-mate Bellingham has also be tipped to win it after a very successful debut campaign at the Bernabeu.

He also helped England reach the Euro 2024 final where they lost to Spain, whose talisman Rodri is also a contender to win the Ballon d’Or.

Five of his England team-mates are also on the 30-man shortlist – Captain Harry Kane, midfielders Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on 28 October.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk