Former Ballon d’Or chief reveals how Real Madrid reacted after discovering Vinicius had lost in 2024

The 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony remains one of the most controversial ones with regard to Real Madrid.

Their controversial decision to boycott the 2024 ceremony has returned to the spotlight, with former award chief Pascal Ferre revealing the events that transpired.

Ferre reveals Madrid’s angry reaction

Speaking in an interview, as quoted by A Bola, Ferre discussed the secrecy surrounding that year’s ceremony and how Madrid reacted when they found out Vinicius Junior was not going to win.

“That was supposed to be the first time the winner wasn’t known until it was announced at the ceremony,” Ferre explained.

“But from what I know, that secret was not respected.”

Vinicius Jr. did not win the Ballon d’Or in 2024. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

“Real Madrid found out and became very angry,” he continued.

“It’s difficult for me to say more because I was no longer there.”

His comments offer insight into what the original plan was for that ceremony, but Ferre stopped short of revealing who disclosed the result.

The Vinicius controversy revisited

Vinicius had been widely considered a leading contender for the 2024 award following his outstanding contributions to Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs.

However, Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately won the prize, while Vinicius finished second.

Madrid retaliated by choosing not to attend the ceremony, a decision that generated considerable debate in the footballing world.

Ferre’s comments add another dimension to the episode. The organisers had intended to preserve the surprise until the ceremony itself, but it was not to be.

Madrid must now focus on changing the Ballon d’Or conversation

The more interesting question for Madrid is how the club approach the award going forward, particularly with Kylian Mbappe among the leading candidates for the 2026 edition.

Mbappe is a favourite to win the Ballon d’Or this year. (Photo by Mateo Villalba Sanchez/Getty Images)

Madrid have spent years celebrating individual recognition as part of their identity. Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema all strengthened that connection by winning the prize while wearing white.

The challenge now is ensuring that disappointment over previous results does not overshadow the achievements of the players currently competing for it.

With Mbappe in contention and Vinicius still capable of returning to that level, Madrid have an opportunity to put the controversy behind them through performances rather than protests.

It is time to put the 2024 episode behind them and focus on what is to come, and it remains to be seen whether the Frenchman wins the award on 26 October.