A bombshell development in the race for the Ballon d’Or has this afternoon been confirmed across the European media.

This comes amid the revelation that Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr, previously considered the runaway favourite to clinch the prize, will in fact not be named football’s best player.

The annual Ballon d’Or ceremony is of course set to take place in Paris, France, later today.

The event will see the finest players from across the world of football come together for a glamorous ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet.

One club, however, who will not have a single representative present at the gala come in the form of reigning Spanish and European champions Real Madrid.

As per a report from Fabrizio Romano, amongst a host of others:

‘No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.’

Why? The widespread understanding that Blancos star Vinícius Jr. is set to miss out on the ‘Golden Ball’ to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri.

Credit: GetFootballNewsSpain