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      European giants selling off part of iconic stadium after incredible £1billion renovation

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      REAL MADRID’S first-team locker room from the iconic Santiago Bernabeu Stadium will be auctioned off.Real’s historic dressing room will be sold by Sotheby’s, who will open the bidding online from 12 November for two weeks.Real Madrid’s first-team locker room from Santiago Bernabeu will be auctioned.This comes after the most extensive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost £1billionCredit: GettyBidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends of the gameCredit: GettyThe auction is being held in partnership with Pursuit 3 Marketing Group S.L., which is the club’s official memorabilia partner.It comes after the massive renovation of the Bernabeu, which cost a staggering £1billion.Bidders will be offered 24 individual lockers used by legends, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham. Zinedine Zidane, Sergio Ramos and Luis Figo.Bidding starts at £10,000 and each locker will be presented as it appeared during the 2022 season.Read More on FootballThat means that the lockers could be sold for at least £250,000.And each will be accompanied by a letter certifying its authenticity, listing each of the players who once called the locker their own.The sale will also include the Real Madrid Santiago Bernabeu Stadium Mosaic measuring approximately three metres wide with bids starting at £12,000.Also up for grabs are the stadium’s metal doors, which will go for at least £8,000.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSA portion of the proceeds will go to the Real Madrid Foundation, which is committed to encouraging the education of children.The foundation also promotes social inclusion of the most vulnerable members of society and builds a world-class memorabilia programme for the club as well as its fans.Headline Legendary stadium looks unrecognisable with football pitch in underground greenhouse and amazing 360-degree big screenReal are currently second in LaLiga with nine points separating them from leaders Barcelona.Bidding will be taking place at sothebys.com. More

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      Man Utd and Chelsea ‘line up stunning Vinicius Jr transfer swoop’ after Real Madrid star snubs talks over new contract

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      MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are among several clubs eyeing a future move for Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, according to reports.The Brazilian, 24, has had another stunning year in Spain, and was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or before being pipped by Rodri.Vinicius Jr will have two years remaining on his contract at the end of the seasonCredit: RexVinicius Jr remains under contract in the Spanish capital until 2027.But according to Spanish outlet Relevo, the winger recently snubbed fresh contract talks – putting several clubs on alert.Among his potential suitors are claimed to be Premier League duo Man Utd and Chelsea.But both sides would face stiff competition, even if Real were to entertain selling their star man.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlso interested are French champions Paris Saint-Germain.Real Madrid have a strained relationship with PSG chiefs, given their protracted pursuit of Kylian Mbappe over several years.The Ligue 1 side would love to get back at Real Madrid by prising away Vinicius Jr in similar circumstances.Real chiefs are said to be desperate to avoid this situation.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSVinicius Jr also has significant interest in Saudi Arabia.During the summer, the Public Investment Fund were claimed to have made an eye-watering proposal.Watch Jude Bellingham’s expletive-laden instructions to Mbappe and Co at half-time of Real Madrid drawThe deal would have seen Vinicius Jr sign for Al-Ahli, earning a staggering €1bn (£843.98m) across five seasons.Real Madrid are determined to hold onto their star man long-term and are eager to demonstrate how much they value him.But for now, contract talks remain on hold.Vinicius Jr has won three LaLiga titles, two Champions Leagues, a Copa del Rey and two Club World Cups with Real Madrid.Last season he scored 24 goals and laid on 11 assists in all competitions, with figures across his club preparing for him to win the Ballon d’Or.He was said to be “devastated” after missing out – cancelling a huge party, with Real Madrid also snubbing the entire bash in solidarity. More

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      Valencia vs Real Madrid postponed as club release statement after city left ‘devastated’ by ‘catastrophic’ Dana floods

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      VALENCIA’s LaLiga clash with Real Madrid has been postponed following devastating floods in Spain.More than a year’s worth of rain fell in just eight hours in some regions around Valencia this week, leaving at least 95 people dead. Valencia’s game on Saturday with Real Madrid has been postponedCredit: GettyThe Valencia region has been hit by horrendous flooding, washing away cars and bridgesCredit: APMore than 95 people have been killed, with a huge rescue operation underwayCredit: APResidents are facing a mammoth clean-up operation after the stormsCredit: EPAValencia were due to host second-placed Madrid at the Mestalla on Saturday night.But in a statement, the club announced the game has now been postponed by LaLiga. It read: “Valencia has received confirmation of the postponement of the match of Matchday 12 of La Liga, initially scheduled for this Saturday, November 2.”[This is] due to the severity of the Dana that has left numerous fatalities and affected people in the province of Valencia. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”At this difficult time, we wish to convey our deepest condolences and our love to the families, friends of the deceased and those affected by this catastrophe that leaves us devastated and that puts football on a secondary.”As yet, no new date for the game has been confirmed.The floods have hit areas in the south and east of the country hardest.Torrential rain fell in the provinces of Valencia and Malaga, causing flash flooding and overflowing rivers.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCars and bridges have been swept away by the flood waters, with hundreds trapped and requiring rescue from the air.Barcelona’s Ferran Torres, a native of the area, spoke of his “heartbreak” in a social media post on Wednesday.More rain pounds flood-blitzed Spain TODAY after people drown ‘like rats’ as Brit killed & final toll feared to hit 100sHe wrote: “My heart breaks seeing my people and my homeland, Valencia, devastated by the floods. “I know it’s no consolation, but I want to send all my encouragement and support to the victims and their families from here. “Stay strong, Valencia.”Villarreal’s top-flight clash with Rayo Vallecano has also been postponed. Three games in the lower leagues have also been abandoned, with replay dates yet to be confirmed.They include Castellon vs Ferrol, Eldense vs Huesca and Levante vs Malaga. More

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      Ballon d’Or chief explains to Real Madrid why Vinicius Jr didn’t win as star misses out on whopping bonus from club

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      BALLON D’OR chief Vincent Garcia has explained why Vinicius Jr missed out on the award.The Real Madrid star finished as the runner-up to Manchester City midfielder Rodri in the running.Vinicius Jr missed out on winning the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyManchester City star Rodri claimed the prize on Monday eveningCredit: APLos Blancos were left fuming with the Brazilian’s snub and released a blunt 52-word statement in response.The LaLiga giants claimed that the organisation and Uefa “do not respect” the club.The club also refused to attend the event in Paris due to their anger over the result.However, Garcia has now explained one reason why Vinicius Jr may have missed out on the top price.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe believes the success of Real’s Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal may have cost the Brazilian.His argument is that the votes that the 2nd and 4th placed stars would have received votes instead of Vinicius Jr.He said: “Obviously, Vinicius surely suffered from the presence of Bellingham and Carvajal in the top five because, mathematically, that took away some points from him.”This also sums up Real Madrid’s season, which took between three and four players, and the judges shared their decisions with them, which benefited Rodri.”Most read in FootballThe split of votes for Real players allowed for more room for Rodri to be named the winner.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGarcia added: “We were very clear with them [Real Madrid] and with all the other clubs.”This year, the winner and the prizewinner were not going to be notified.Emi Martinez and his stunning Wag are booed mercilessly at Ballon d’Or ceremony by France fans Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and Ukraine”I thought that everyone had accepted but at the last minute, I don’t know why, they wanted to change the rule.”When Real Madrid made its decision, I’m not sure that there wasn’t some disappointment.”As a result of Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or, Vinicius Jr missed out on a cash reward from Real.The winger would have been handed a bonus of £833,000 from his club if he had won the award.Vinicius Jr would have also been the first Brazilian to lay his hands on the individual trophy since 2007, when Kaka won it.He has spoken out since the snub and claimed that he will be a winner in the future.He wrote on X: “‘I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”READ MORE SUN STORIESDue to Real’s boycott of the event it left one award uncollected.Last season’s Champions League winners were not able to collect their Club of the Year award.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

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      Hollywood icon trolls Real Madrid with subtle gesture as she poses with Barcelona stars at Ballon d’Or ceremony

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      A HOLLYWOOD icon trolled Real Madrid with a cheeky subtle gesture as she posed for photos with Barcelona stars at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.A host of Barca stars headed to Paris for the annual gala evening at the Theatre du Chatelet.Natalie Portman took a cheeky dig at Real Madrid alongside Barcelona starsCredit: X @FCBarcelonaThe actress dazzled on the red carpet at the Ballon d’OrCredit: GettyAnd trio Dani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi even posed on the red carpet with an Oscar-winning superstar.The footballers were all smiles alongside Natalie Portman, who even dropped a savage dig at Barca’s arch-rivals.Portman, 43, could not resist the fun and held up four fingers to the cameras.That appeared to be a thinly-veiled reference to the weekend when Barca smashed Real Madrid 4-0 at the Bernabeu. READ MORE ON BALLON D’OROlmo, Yamal and Cubarsi burst into laughter when they realised what Portman had done.And fans on social media could not get enough of it either, after Barcelona posted the video on their X account and it racked up 5million views by Tuesday lunchtime. One said: “Lmao no way she pointed out four reminding of El Clasico score.”Another wrote: “She’s pointing 4 😂😂😂”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA third added: “She reigns supreme, cementing her place among the football greats with this remarkable achievement.”A fourth quipped: “W Portman.”Didier Drogba’s wife Alla suffers ‘yellow card offence’ as Ballon d’Or fans spot awkward red carpet momentAnd a final user simply commented: “Queen.”Portman is a huge football fan and even formed her own women’s team – Angel City FC – in 2022.However, she was in Paris last night to present the Ballon d’Or Feminin for the world’s best female footballer.She handed over the prestigious gong to Aitana Bonmati as the Barcelona and Spain star defended her title ahead of club team-mates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.In fact, seven of the top 30 female footballers to make the list play for Barcelona – while Lucy Bronze left in the summer for Chelsea. And there was plenty more success for Barcelona, too, as the ladies’ team were named Women’s Club of the Year. Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineYamal and Olmo were the only men’s Barca star on the men’s Ballon d’Or top 30 list as they finished eighth and 13th. However, 17-year-old Yamal did collect the Kopa Trophy for the best young player as Cubarsi came fifth. To top it off for Barcelona, their rivals Real Madrid’s fancied trio of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal all missed out on the Ballon d’Or behind Rodri.And that triggered a boycott from the furious Los Blancos.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 SUN STORIES”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.”Emi Martinez made it back-to-back Yashin Trophy successes – despite being BOOED on the red carpet – while Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Coach of the Year as Emma Hayes took the women’s gong. Portman presented the Ballon d’Or Feminin to Barcelona star Aitana BonmatiCredit: AFPBarca were crowned Women’s Club of the YearCredit: GettyDani Olmo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi were all smiles in ParisCredit: Reuters17-year-old Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best young playerCredit: AFP More

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      Rodri wins Ballon d’Or after stunning season with Man City and Spain as Real Madrid boycott ceremony over Vinicius snub

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      REAL MADRID boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony as Rodri beat Vinicius Jr to football’s top individual gong.The injured Manchester City star, who needed crutches to collect his award, was crowned the best player on the planet in a shock announcement on Monday night.Man City star Rodri has won this year’s Ballon d’OrCredit: ReutersThe Spaniard is officially the best player on the planetCredit: AFPThe injured ace arrived at the glittering ceremony on crutchesCredit: ReutersRodri was escorted to his trophy by host and Chelsea legend Didier DrogbaReal Madrid, who were named Team of the Year, snubbed the ceremony after Vinicius Jr finished secondCredit: GettyHarry Kane finished 10th as he won the Gerd Muller Trophy for top scorerCredit: ReutersLamine Yamal came eighth while also scooping the Kopa Trophy for best youngsterCredit: APBrazilian winger Vinicius had looked a shoe-in for his first Ballon d’Or trophy after leading Real to an incredible league and European double last season.The ace was widely predicted to become the latest Los Blancos champion of this century following Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Cannavaro, Ronaldo Nazario and Luis Figo.However, it emerged on Monday afternoon that Man City hero and Spain Euro winner Rodri was instead being crowned football’s new king.The tearful anchorman later received his prize from legendary striker George Weah at a glittering ceremony snubbed by Real in Paris, with teammate Erling Haaland joining him in the top 10.READ MORE SPORT STORIESRodri, who ruptured his ACL earlier this season, was aided by Chelsea legend and host Didier Drogba up the steps before delivering an emotional speech.Thanking his family and teammates, Rodri noted: “It’s a very special day, for me, my family and my country. I try to improve every day, try to level up my game.”I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger.”Vinicius came in second, with Real’s England superstar Jude Bellingham completing the top three ahead of Dani Carvajal and Haaland.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPosting after the event on X, Vinicius said: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”Elsewhere, seventh-place Lautaro Martinez was sandwiched between Kylian Mbappe and 17-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal, who also won the Kopa Trophy for best youngster.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’Ballon d’Or 2024 results1: Rodri, Man City and Spain2: Vinicius Jr, Real Madrid and Brazil3: Jude Bellingham, Real Madrid and England4: Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid and Spain5: Erling Haaland, Man City and Norway6: Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid and France7: Lautaro Martinz, Inter Milan and Argentina8: Lamine Yamal, Barcelona and Spain9: Toni Kroos, Real Madrid and Germany10: Harry Kane, Bayern Munich and England11: Phil Foden, Man City and England12: Florian Wirtz, Bayer Leverkusen and Germany13: Dani Olmo, Barcelona and Spain14: Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria15: Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao and Spain16: Granit Xhaka, Bayer Leverkusen and Switzerland17: Federico Valverde, Real Madrid and Uruguay18: Emi Martinez, Aston Villa and Argentina19: Martin Odegaard, Arsenal and Norway20: Hakan Calhanoglu, Inter Milan and Turkey21: Bukayo Saka, Arsenal and England22: Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid and Germany23: Ruben Dias, Man City and Portugal24: William Saliba, Arsenal and France25: Cole Palmer, Chelsea and England26: Declan Rice, Arsenal and England27: Vitinha, PSG and Portugal28: Alejandro Grimaldo, Bayer Leverkusen and Spain29: Mats Hummels, Roma and Germany30: Artem Dovbyk, Roma and UkraineWhile recently retired Toni Kroos and England captain Harry Kane, also joint-winner of the Gerd Muller Trophy with Mbappe for top scorer, took ninth and tenth respectively.The result marked the first time in the last decade that the Ballon d’Or did NOT go to a Real Madrid player after they had won the Champions League.The snub to Vinicius is said to have left Florentino Perez “furious”, with Real’s president cancelling his club’s appearance at tonight’s ceremony despite them being named Team of the Year.Reports even claimed City chiefs were the ones to inform their Real counterparts of the decision.Vinicius scored six and assisted four more in just ten Champions League games as Real won their 15th European crown last term.The Brazilian even scored the second in the 2-0 final win over Borussia Dortmund.Vini Jr was also involved in 20 goals in just 26 LaLiga games last season.And Real reportedly accused organisers of showing disrespect in their decision to award the Ballon d’Or elsewhere.Jude Bellingham came third as Kylian Mbappe also finished in the top 10Credit: AlamyRodri’s Man City teammate Erling Haaland came fifthCredit: GettyPhil Foden finished one place behind Kane in 11thCredit: GettyReal also felt if there was to be another winner, the Ballon d’Or should have gone to Dani Carvajal after he added the Euros trophy to his domestic double.A statement read: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner.”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.”As well as cancelling any appearance by the club and their players at Monday’s event, Real also took the axe to their in-house TV channel.It’s claimed Los Blancos had put FIVE hours aside for a Ballon d’Or special this evening.Emi Martinez was named the top goalie in world footballCredit: GettyCarlo Ancelotti was not present to collect his Manager of the Year awardCredit: GettyEmma Hayes was the Women’s Manager of the YearCredit: ReutersBarcelona’s Aitana Bonmati was named Women’s Player of the Year againCredit: ReutersElsewhere, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer came 25th in the final standings, one spot ahead of Arsenal’s Declan Rice.Gunners pal Bukayo Saka came 21st, with Man City ace Phil Foden finishing 11th.Aston Villa goalie Emi Martinez was once again handed the Yashin Trophy.While Carlo Ancelotti was named Men’s Manager of the Year.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Chelsea boss Emma Hayes, now with the USA, won the Women’s equivalent.While Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati won the Women’s Ballon d’Or for the second year running as her club were named Women’s Team of the Year.All winners of the Ballon d’Or this century2024: Rodri, Man City and Spain2023: Lionel Messi, Inter Miami and Argentina2022: Karim Benzema, Real Madrid and France2021: Lionel Messi, PSG and Argentina2020: Not Awarded2019: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2018: Luka Modric, Real Madrid and Croatia2017: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2016: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2015: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2014: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2013: Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid and Portugal2012: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2011: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2010: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2009: Lionel Messi, Barcelona and Argentina2008: Cristiano Ronaldo, Man Utd and Portugal2007: Kaka, AC Milan and Brazil2006: Fabio Cannavaro, Real Madrid and Italy2005: Ronaldinho, Barcelona and Brazil2004: Andriy Shevchenko, AC Milan and Ukraine2003: Pavel Nedved, Juventus and Czechia2002: Ronaldo Nazario, Real Madrid and Brazil2001: Michael Owen, Liverpool and England2000: Luis Figo, Real Madrid and Portugal More

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      Ballon d’Or in awkward moment as Real Madrid leave award UNCOLLECTED with boycott confirmed

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      BALLON D’OR were forced into an awkward moment as Real Madrid failed to collect their award.The Spanish giants were named Club of the Year after winning LaLiga and the Champions League.Real Madrid left their award uncollectedCredit: ReutersBut not a single club representative was present as Real Madrid boycotted the awards ceremony, with an awkward silence in the room as host Didier Drogba read out their name as winners.He added: “Congratulations to them,” before moving on swiftly.Real Madrid boycotted the show Vinicius Jr missed out on the top prize to Rodri.The winger was amongst the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or following an impressive campaign in which he scored 24 goals and registered 11 assists.But Vinicius Jr was not even in attendance to see his rival walk on stage to collect the prize, nor were any of his team-mates or coach Carlo Ancelotti, who failed to collect his Coach of the Year gong.Drogba said in response to his absence: “I’m disappointed my former coach is unable to be here to collect the award.”Real Madrid President Florentino Perez is reportedly furious Vinicius has been overlooked.The club also believe they are “not respected” – convinced that if not Vinicius Jr, then Dani Carvajal should win the award.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnother Real star Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting.A Real Madrid player last won the Ballon d’Or in 2022 when Karim Benzema was named the world’s best player.Incredible video shows how Ballon d’Or is made and it’s blowing fans’ minds as they ask ‘why does it feel so weird?’ More

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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