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      Real Madrid release furious 52-word statement as club boycott Ballon d’Or after Vinicius Jr snub

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      REAL MADRID have released a furious statement and confirmed they will not attend the Ballon d’Or as Vinicius Junior looks set to miss out on the top men’s prize.Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is set to win the award ahead of Los Blancos’ star forward.Vinicius Junior looks set to be snubbed for the Ballon d’Or in favour of RodriCredit: ReutersIt has since been reported Real Madrid will not send anybody to Monday night’s ceremony in Paris.And now the Spanish champions have commented on the matter – claiming the outcome of the Ballon d’Or shows the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” Real Madrid.They also claim one interpretation of the criteria should have led to Real and Spanish full-back Dani Carvajal winning the award.They told AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”The Ballon d’Or is voted for by a panel of journalists representing the top 100 nations in the FIFA rankings.Vinicius, who scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists last season, is one of six Real Madrid stars who made the 30-player shortlist for the award.He is joined by Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSToni Kroos, who helped Real win the LaLiga title and Champions League last season before retiring from football, also made the shortlist.Rodri, who is the obvious candidate to win the Ballon d’Or at the expense of Vinicius, was instrumental in Man City’s fourth successive Premier League title.Inside Real Madrid’s incredible hi-tech free-kick training as stars use robots to hone technique He then helped Spain win the Euros as Luis de la Fuente’s men triumphed in Germany.Vinicius is expected to come second behind Rodri, with Bellingham third.Rodri will become only the third player since 2007 to receive the award outside of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.Luka Modric won in 2018, while Karim Benzema took top spot in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Ballon d’Or 2024 LIVE RESULTS: Latest updates as Rodri, Vinicius Jr and Bellingham eye top prize in Paris – stream FREE

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      INDIVIDUAL prizes don’t get any bigger than the Ballon d’Or – and tonight we’ll have a brand-new winner. Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham are the big favourites to scoop the golden award in Paris. Manchester City’s Rodri is also in contention to win, while 17-year-old Spain starlet Lamine Yamal is also a nominee. England captain Harry Kane and Premier League superstars Cole Palmer, Martin Odegaard and Phil Foden are also up for the award.FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFollow all the latest with our live blog below…How many Brazilians have won the Ballon d’Or?For a country so steeped in footballing history, Brazil has a surprisingly small number of Ballon d’Or wins. The country has five, the same number as World Cup victories to its name, although they were only eligible from 1995 – and only 2007 if they plied their trade outside Europe. That means that in his prime, Pele, pictured below with Franz Beckenbauer in 2003, was never in contention.Credit: APCopy linkCopiedHow are the awards decided?The awards are voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in the Fifa men’s world ranking.Each juror selects 10 players in descending order of merit from the list of nominees.Those 10 players are awarded 15, 12, 10, eight, seven, five, three, two and one point respectively.The player with the most points is awarded the Ballon d’Or.A full list of the rankings – from 30th to second – will accompany the announcement of the winner.Copy linkCopiedVinicius Jr’s exceptional seasonVinicius Jr, 24, enjoyed an inspired 2023-24 season, leading Real Madrid to a La Liga-Champions League double, scoring in the Champions League final – a 2-0 win over Borussia Dortmund – and being named the competition’s best player.Credit: GETTYCredit: GETTYCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedRecap – what’s happened?Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr has reportedly refused to attend tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, as he believes the result is a foregone conclusion.Journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported no player nor member of the coaching staff or management from Real Madrid will be attend the glitzy ceremony,Posting on X, Romano shared a post saying: ‘BREAKING: Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or. “No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.” This shock news comes after it was reportedly leaked that the winner of football’s most glamorous individual prize is Man City’s Rodri, who is currently out of the first team due to an injury.Copy linkCopiedWho should win?That’ll be Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr – obviously. It’ll be a major snub to the Brazilian if he misses out (he is reportedly not attending tonight’s ceremony).Spain’s midfielder Aitana Bonmati is widely expected to win in the women’s category.Credit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedWho will win … who should win?The smart money is on Man City’s Rodri to lift the Ballon d’Or in Paris tonight – but who should win it?Credit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedNo Messi or RonaldoIt is the first time since 2003 that eight-time winner Messi – pictured below in 2023 and 2013 – and five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo have not been nominated.Credit: APCredit: ReutersCopy linkCopiedWho are the nominees for the Ballon d’Or awards?There are 30 nominees in both the men’s and women’s category.In the men’s category, six England players – captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer – have been nominated.England-based players Ruben Dias, Emiliano Martinez, Martin Odegaard and William Saliba are also nominated.Credit: GETTYCredit: GETTYCopy linkCopiedWhen is the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony?The ceremony takes place on Monday, 28 October at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris at 19:45 tonight.Copy linkCopiedAll you need to known about Ballon d’Or 2024The world’s best footballers will gather in Paris on Monday for the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony.It will be the 68th edition of the award, which has been presented annually by French magazine France Football since 1956.The Ballon d’Or award is widely recognised as the most prestigious individual accolade for footballers in both the men’s and women’s game.While there are several categories at the ceremony, all eyes will be on who succeeds 2023 winner Lionel Messi in the men’s category and whether Aitana Bonmati can again claim the top women’s award.Copy linkCopied’Shocking’ – fans react to the news that Vinicius Jr will not reportedly travel to ParisFans have taken to X, formerly Twitter, to express their shock that VJ is not excected to be at the awards ceremony for the Ballon d’Or tonight.Copy linkCopiedWelcome to our Ballon d’Or 2024 blog – it’s all kicking off …You can follow us here for all the latest updates on the prize – starting with this breaking news story…Copy linkCopied More

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      Ballon d’Or 2024: Date, FREE stream, TV, nominees as Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr eye prestigious prize

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      EVERY footballer dreams of helping their club win trophies – but lifting the Ballon d’Or is the one individual award that tops all and the winner will be revealed TONIGHT!Lionel Messi picked up his eighth gong last year after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title win since 1986 during the 2022 competition.Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or last yearCredit: APHowever, it was seen as a controversial decision due to Messi’s underwhelming season at club level compared to Erling Haaland who fired Manchester City to an incredible Treble.Organisers are set to have an even tougher task in choosing the winners this time round with the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr having outstanding seasons for their club.Also, there a massive shouts for Rodri to get his hands on the after playing a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.Either way, SunSport has all the information on when the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced.Read more on Ballon d’OrAnd you can keep scrolling to find out.When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?The Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced on Monday, October 28.It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET and 8pm local time.Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this huge ceremony and it can host approximately 2,500 spectators.Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 for FREE?The Ballon d’Or 2024 awards ceremony will be streamed live for FREE on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.What are the Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees?Below are the 30 players who have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)William Saliba (France and Arsenal)Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)What has been said?Real Madrid star Rodrygo is not happy with the nominations despite seeing his teammates selected to potentially win the Ballon d’Or.Rodrygo told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:Lionel Messi – 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)Michel Platini – 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)Johan Cruyff – 3 (1971, 1971, 1974)Marco van Basten – 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)Franz Beckenbauer – 2 (1972, 1976)Ronaldo – 2 (1997, 2002)Alfredo Di Stefano – 2 (1957, 1959)Kevin Keegan – 2 (1978, 1979)Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 (1980, 1981) More

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      ‘I know’: Ballon d’Or chief hints Cristiano Ronaldo might be holding silent protest ahead of Paris ceremony

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO could protest being snubbed for a Ballon d’Or nomination by refusing to attend Monday’s ceremony.The Portuguese legend, 39, is a five-time winner of the prestigious award – claiming the honour in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016 and 2017.Cristiano Ronaldo could decide against going to the ceremony in Paris on MondayCredit: ReutersBut in 2023 he failed to make the 30-player shortlist for the first time in 20 years.And the Al-Nassr forward also missed out this time around – making it the first time in more than two decades that neither Ronaldo or Lionel Messi were among the nominations.Ronaldo has still received an invite to the ceremony in Paris on Monday as all previous winners are permitted to attend.However, France Football editor Vincent Garcia has hinted Ronaldo may opt to stay at home.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSpeaking to The Times, he said: “Winners have the right to come back to all future ceremonies but they don’t all come, some are very upset with us.”I don’t know for certain Cristiano is. I don’t talk to him directly, but I know for example that former winners vote for the Kopa Trophy – for the best young player – and Cristiano didn’t vote last year and he didn’t vote this year.”Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior is the favourite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Manchester City midfielder Rodri.The Brazilian scored 24 goals and assisted 11 last season as Carlo Ancelotti’s men lifted the LaLiga title and Champions League.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe also already has 15 goal contributions in as many games for Real Madrid this season.Vinicius would become just the third player outside of Messi and Ronaldo to win the award since 2008.Cristiano Ronaldo sits in on son Cristiano Jr’s training session as 14-year-old looks to follow in dad’s footsteps Luka Modric won it in 2018, while Karim Benzema picked it up in 2022.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      How one journalist got sacked from voting for the Ballon d’Or after his picks showed he’d lost all credibility

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      ARGENTINE journalist Enrique Wolff lost his right to vote for the Ballon d’Or winner after his picks showed “he’d lost all credibility.”Wolff, 75, was removed after voting for FOUR of his compatriots in the top five of the 2023 Ballon d’Or, which was won by Lionel Messi.The voter for Argentina was removed after last year’s Ballon d’OrEnrique Wolff was accused of losing ‘all credibility’Credit: wolffquique instagramFrance Football will hand the Ballon d’Or to the world’s best player in a glittering awards ceremony in Paris on Monday.The coveted award is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of Fifa’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award).Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.The Ballon d’Or is for the previous season and should go to the best player during that specific period, not the journalists’ favourite.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut guidance carries only so much weight.Ballon d’Or organiser and commander-in-chief, Vincent Garcia told The Times: “I am not a dictator. They vote with their heart.”Some prefer attackers or midfielders, this team or that team. The important thing is to be credible. Not everyone passes that test either.”He then went on to explain where Argentine journalist Wolff went wrong.Most read in FootballInter Miami and Argentina’s Lionel Messi won a record eighth Ballon d’Or in 2023FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGarcia said: “Last year the voter for Argentina was removed after he selected four players from Argentina — Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez and Emiliano Martinez — in his top five spots.”There were four Argentina players available on the shortlist and he picked all of them.Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career change”My opinion was he had lost objectivity. We changed the journalist and he no longer votes.”The only non-Argentine player included by Wolff was Kylian Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the Qatar World Cup final.Messi’s coronation last October was the first time in 15 years that the Ballon d’Or hasn’t gone to a player from Real Madrid or Barcelona.And Madrid winger Vinicius Jr is the clear frontrunner to win the award for the first time on Monday.Garcia also wanted to clear up accusations about LaLiga favouritism and the supposed unfair power of Madrid president Florentino Perez.He added: “If there was a ‘Perez Effect’, what would it be? Would I be in touch with him? I never spoke to him ever in my life so far. READ MORE SUN STORIES”It would somehow mean he manages to have some influence over us, which is not the case.­­”In the men’s category, six England players – captain Harry Kane, midfielders Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Declan Rice, and forwards Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer – have been nominated.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Penny-pinching Man Utd ‘ask Man City to give players lift in private plane to Ballon d’Or’ but get REJECTED by rivals

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      MANCHESTER UNITED chiefs took an embarrassing hit in their efforts to save money after Manchester City rejected their request for a lift to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, according to reports.New United part owners Ineos have embarked on a cost-cutting crusade since taking control of the football operation at Old Trafford.Man Utd chiefs asked Man City if two players could go in their private jet to the Ballon d’OrCredit: PABut City chiefs rejected the proposal because the flight was fullCredit: RexKobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are up for the Kopa TrophyCredit: GettyThe 2024 awards ceremony commences on Monday nightCredit: APThis saw 250 members of staff let go in the summer and Sir Alex Ferguson chopped from his £2million-a-year role.The latest efforts to cut costs saw United ask bitter rivals Man City if they could give a lift to Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho to go to the Ballon d’Or ceremony.According to the Daily Mail, City have chartered a private jet to take their players over to Paris for the awards show on Monday.However, City rejected the request from United because the flight was full with their eight nominees.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe report adds that alternative arrangements have now been arranged.United had placed the request because the idea of sending two players on a private jet was not seen as a good look.The club’s carbon-footprint was also said to be a factor.Sharing flights is a common theme for clubs when players are traveling for international duty from places such as South America.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPremier League champions City have the most players at the awards of any English club. They have four players in the men’s section of the awards – Ruben Dias, Phil Foden, Erling Haaland and Rodri – and a further three in the women’s award – Yui Hasegawa, Lauren Hemp and Khadija Shaw.Manchester United vs Fenerbahce: Player Ratings (1)Savinho is also up for the Kopa Trophy award, which recognises the best young player, going up against Garnacho and Mainoo.However, they are set to be left disappointed, with Vinicius Jr the reported favorite to win the men’s award, though Rodri is said to be his closest challenger ahead of 2023 Kopa Trophy winner Jude Bellingham.Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmatí is the favorite to retain her crown in the women’s award.Lamine Yamal is the favorite to win the Kopa Trophy.Ballon d’Or nominees in fullMen’s awardJude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)Hakan Çalhanoğlu (Turkey, Inter)Dani Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid)Rúben Dias (Portugal, Manchester City)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine, Dnipro / Girona / Roma)Phil Foden (England, Manchester City)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund)Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria, Atalanta)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Lautaro Martínez (Argentina, Inter )Kylian Mbappé (France, Paris Saint-Germain / Real Madrid)Martin Ødegaard (Norway, Arsenal)Dani Olmo (Spain, Leipzig / Barcelona)Cole Palmer (England, Manchester City / Chelsea)Declan Rice (England, Arsenal)Rodri (Spain, Manchester City)Antonio Rüdiger (Germany, Real Madrid)Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)William Saliba (France, Arsenal)Federico Valverde (Uruguay, Real Madrid)Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)Vitinha (Portugal, Paris Saint-Germain)Nico Williams (Spain, Athletic Club)Florian Wirtz (Germany, Bayer Leverkusen)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland, Bayer Leverkusen)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Women’s awardBarbra Banda (Zambia, Shanghai RCB / Orlando Pride)Aitana Bonmatí (Spain, Barcelona)Lucy Bronze (England, Barcelona / Chelsea)Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona / Arsenal)Tabitha Chawinga (Malawi, Paris Saint-Germain / Olympique Lyonnais)Grace Geyoro (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Manuela Giugliano (Italy, AS Roma)Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)Patricia Guijarro (Spain, Barcelona)Giulia Gwinn (Germany, Bayern Munich)Yui Hasegawa (Japan, Manchester City)Ada Hegerberg (Norway, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren Hemp (England, Manchester City)Lindsey Horan (USA, Olympique Lyonnais)Lauren James (England, Chelsea)Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Alyssa Naeher (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Sjoeke Nüsken (Germany, Chelsea)Ewa Pajor (Poland, VfL Wolfsburg / Barcelona)Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)Gabi Portilho (Brazil, Corinthians)Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)Mayra Ramírez (Colombia, Levante / Chelsea)Trinity Rodman (USA, Washington Spirit)Lea Schüller (Germany, Bayern Munich)Khadija Shaw (Jamaica, Manchester City)Sophia Smith (USA, Portland Thorns)Mallory Swanson (USA, Chicago Red Stars)Tarciane (Brazil, Corinthians / Houston Dash)Glódís Viggósdóttir (Iceland, Bayern Munich)Yashin TrophyDiogo Costa (Portugal, Porto)Gianluigi Donnarumma (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain)Gregor Kobel (Switzerland, Borussia Dortmund)Andriy Lunin (Ukraine, Real Madrid)Mike Maignan (France, Milan)Giorgi Mamardashvili (Georgia, Valencia)Emiliano Martínez (Argentina, Aston Villa)Unai Simón (Spain, Athletic Club)Yann Sommer (Switzerland, Inter)Ronwen Williams (South Africa, Mamelodi Sundowns)Kopa TrophyPau Cubarsí (Spain, Barcelona)Alejandro Garnacho (Argentina, Manchester United)Arda Güler (Turkey, Real Madrid)Karim Konaté (Ivory Coast, Salzburg)Kobbie Mainoo (England, Manchester United)João Neves (Portugal, Benfica / Paris Saint-Germain)Savinho (Brazil, Girona / Manchester City)Mathys Tel (France, Bayern Munich)Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)Warren Zaïre-Emery (France, Paris Saint-Germain)Men’s coach awardXabi Alonso (Spain, Bayer Leverkusen)Carlo Ancelotti (Italy, Real Madrid)Luis de la Fuente (Spain, Spain national team)Gian Piero Gasperini (Italy, Atalanta)Pep Guardiola (Spain, Manchester City)Lionel Scaloni (Argentina, Argentina national team)Women’s coach awardSonia Bompastor (France, Olympique Lyonnais / Chelsea)Arthur Elias (Brazil, Corinthians / Brazil national team)Jonatan Giráldez (Spain, Barcelona / Washington Spirit)Emma Hayes (England, Chelsea / USA national team)Filipa Patão (Portugal, Benfica)Sarina Wiegman (Netherlands, England national team)Men club of the year awardBorussia Dortmund (Germany)Girona (Spain)Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)Manchester City (England)Real Madrid (Spain)Women’s club of the year awardBarcelona (Spain)Chelsea (England)NJ/NY Gotham (USA)Olympique Lyonnais (France)Paris Saint-Germain (France) More

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      Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’

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      AN incredible video has shown how the prestigious Ballon d’Or trophy is beautifully handcrafted.The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner will be announced on Monday at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Fans were in awe after spotting how the Ballon d’Or trophy is madeTwo brass plates are soldered together by a distinguished French jewellerThe ball is then immersed in gold and engravedThe Ballon d’Or trophy – which, as its French name suggests, takes the form of a golden ball – is worth somewhere in the region of £2,400.It is made with two brass plates which are soldered together to create the shape of a football, before lined markings are drawn on the outside.Afterwards it’s dipped in gold and engraved with the “Ballon d’Or” logo.The final touch is a layer of pyrite crystals – which gives the trophy a stunning rock like appearance.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSIncluding its pyrite base, the award measures 31 cm in height and 23 cm in diameter and weighs just over 7 kg. The coveted prize, awarded to the world’s best footballer, is handmade by a team at French Jewellery House Mellerio dits Meller.It is a meticulous process that takes more than 100 hours to complete – which amounts to about four days.And fans were blown away by it’s simple, yet careful, design.Most read in FootballIt takes more than 100 hours to finishThe final touch is a layer of crystals on a pyrite baseFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSOne social media user wrote: “Why does it feel so weird? It’s something so prestigious, and it’s made just like that.”While another said: “Wow amazing!”Karim Benzema shows off incredible Ballon d’Or watch after responding to Ronaldo snub as he’s tipped for career changeA third added: “This is crazy seeing how it’s actually made.”One more replied: “I never realised it’s hollow inside, but it makes perfect sense.”What is the Ballon d’Or?The Ballon d’Or is an annual football award presented by French magazine France Football since 1956.This prestigious trophy is awarded to the world’s best footballer of the year and is a true work of art – just like the players who earn it.This year, Uefa — European football’s governing body — will help organise the award for the first time.Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or trophies won – eightWho are the favourites?Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Manchester City’s Rodri are favourites to lift this year’s prize on Monday. Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer, Harry Kane and Lamine Yamal have also been nominated.Lionel Messi leads the way with eight Ballon d’Or wins between 2009 and 2023. Cristiano Ronaldo has five. The pair have dominated the men’s award in recent history but, for the first time in 21 years, neither has been nominated.Who decides the Ballon d’Or winners?The Ballon d’Or is decided by 100 journalists, one from each of FIFA’s 100 top-ranked member nations (top 50 for the women’s award). Each journalist makes their top 10 pick from the 30-player shortlist and there are different point values for each.READ MORE SUN STORIESFirst: 15 pointsSecond: 12 pointsThird: 10 pointsFourth: Eight pointsFifth: Seven pointsSixth: Five pointsSeventh: Four pointsEighth: Three pointsNinth: Two pointsTenth: One pointEarning the most points wins you the Ballon d’Or. In the unlikely event of a tie, the winner would be decided by first-place votes. More

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      Ballon d’Or 2024: Date, FREE stream, TV, nominees as Jude Bellingham eyes prestigious prize

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      EVERY footballer dreams of helping their club win trophies – but lifting the Ballon d’Or is the one individual award that tops all.Lionel Messi picked up his eighth gong last year after leading Argentina to their first World Cup title win since 1986 during the 2022 competition.Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or last yearCredit: APHowever, it was seen as a controversial decision due to Messi’s underwhelming season at club level compared to Erling Haaland who fired Manchester City to an incredible Treble.Organisers are set to have an even tougher task in choosing the winners this time round with the likes of Real Madrid duo Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr having outstanding seasons for their club.Also, there a massive shouts for Rodri to get his hands on the after playing a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph.Either way, SunSport has all the information on when the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced.Read more on Ballon d’OrAnd you can keep scrolling to find out.When is the Ballon d’Or 2024 winner announced?The Ballon d’Or 2024 winner will be announced on Monday, October 28.It is scheduled to get underway at 7pm GMT, 2pm ET and 8pm local time.Theatre du Chatelet in Paris, France is the allocated arena for this huge ceremony and it can host approximately 2,500 spectators.Where can I watch the Ballon d’Or 2024 for FREE?The Ballon d’Or 2024 awards ceremony will be streamed live for FREE on L’Equipe’s YouTube channel.What are the Ballon d’Or 2024 nominees?Below are the 30 players who have been nominated for this year’s Ballon d’Or.Most read in FootballJude Bellingham (England and Real Madrid)Ruben Dias (Portugal and Manchester City)Phil Foden (England and Manchester City)Federico Valverde (Uruguay and Real Madrid)Emiliano Martinez (Argentina and Aston Villa)Erling Haaland (Norway and Manchester City)Nico Williams (Spain and Athletic Bilbao)Granit Xhaka (Switzerland and Bayer Leverkusen)Artem Dovbyk (Ukraine and Roma)Toni Kroos (former Germany and Real Madrid)Vinicius Jr (Brazil and Real Madrid)Dani Olmo (Spain and Barcelona)Florian Wirtz (Germany and Bayer Leverkusen)Martin Odegaard (Norway and Arsenal)Mats Hummels (Germany, free agent)Rodri (Spain and Manchester City)Harry Kane (England and Bayern Munich)Declan Rice (England and Arsenal)Vitinha (Portugal and Paris St-Germain)Cole Palmer (England and Chelsea)Dani Carvajal (Spain and Real Madrid)Lamine Yamal (Spain and Barcelona)Bukayo Saka (England and Arsenal)Hakan Calhanoglu (Turkey and Inter Milan)William Saliba (France and Arsenal)Kylian Mbappe (France and Real Madrid)Lautaro Martinez (Argentina and Inter Milan)Ademola Lookman (Nigeria and Atalanta)Antonio Rudiger (Germany and Real Madrid)Alejandro Grimaldo (Spain and Bayer Leverkusen)What has been said?Real Madrid star Rodrygo is not happy with the nominations despite seeing his teammates selected to potentially win the Ballon d’Or.Rodrygo told ESPN regarding his snub: “I was upset, I think I deserved it. I don’t want to belittle the players who are there, but I think I had a place in the 30. It was a surprise… But there’s not much I can do, I’m not the one who decides these things.”Who has won the most Ballon d’Ors?Here is a list of all the multiple-time Ballon d’Or winners:Lionel Messi – 8 (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023)Cristiano Ronaldo – 5 (2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017)Michel Platini – 3 (1983, 1984, 1985)Johan Cruyff – 3 (1971, 1971, 1974)Marco van Basten – 3 (1988, 1989, 1992)Franz Beckenbauer – 2 (1972, 1976)Ronaldo – 2 (1997, 2002)Alfredo Di Stefano – 2 (1957, 1959)Kevin Keegan – 2 (1978, 1979)Karl-Heinz Rummenigge – 2 (1980, 1981) More