When everything was ready for Vinícius to collect his first Ballon d'Or tonight at the Le Chatelet theatre, last-minute information announced that the winner would be Spaniard Rodri.
It's even been learned that Vinícius will not attend the ceremony once it was known that the award wouldn't be for him.
Spanish Soccer Wins Ballon d'Or
The news was announced by French journalist Fabrice Hawkins of RMC Sport. He posted on social media that " Vinícius Jr.'s entourage is now convinced that he will not be named Ballon d'Or. In Madrid, everyone has this feeling."
Rodri's option is gaining ground and tonight there could be a big celebration for Spanish soccer with the coronation of Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí as winners of the Ballon d'Or.
Josep Pedrerol has reported that Vinícius is giving up on his trip to Paris once he finds out that the big prize won't be his.
It's also assumed that, if this information is confirmed, Florentino Pérez will decline his invitation to be in Paris tonight.
Copa América Takes its Toll on Vinícius
At Real Madrid, no one doubted that Vinícius would win the award. Even Ancelotti recently said: "I think he'll win the Ballon d'Or for what he did last year. For having helped us win the Champions League, not for the three goals he scored today."
Real Madrid was extremely disappointed after Vinícius won four titles with the Whites (League, Champions League, Spanish and European Super Cups). He was vital in their achievement of the Decimoquinta.
However, in the year of the Euro Cup and Copa América, Rodri's merits seem to have prevailed over those of Vinícius. While Rodri became the European Champion, Vinícius had a modest role with Brazil in the Copa América.
The Argument with Gavi during the classic
Rodri would be the second Spanish footballer to win the award after Luis Suárez in 1960.
Real Madrid is now considering not allowing any member of the club to attend the gala as a form of protest.
Now Vinícius's argument with Gavi last Clásico is relevant. The Barcelona player pointed out with his fingers the four goals scored by Barça. And Vinícius replied that he was going to win the Ballon d'Or anyway.