Ballon d'Or result 'leaked' as Premier League stars miss out on top gong

Manchester City ace Rodri has reportedly been snubbed for the 2024 Ballon d’Or after the result of next week’s ceremony was leaked.

Rodri was among the favourites on the 30-man shortlist, which included 10 Premier League players.

Alongside Rodri, the likes of Erling Haaland, Cole Palmer and Declan Rice were all up for the award.

But according to reports in Spain, the Ballon d’Or is heading back to the Santiago Bernabeu.

It’s claimed by Spanish outlet AS there’s a ‘strong feeling’ at Real Madrid that Vinicius Junior will secure his first-ever Ballon d’Or after an impressive individual campaign.

During the 2023/24 season, which is the timeframe for deciding the Ballon d’Or winner, Vinicius netted 24 goals across all competitions and provided 11 assists as Los Blancos went on to win La Liga and the Champions League.

Vinicius also netted Real Madrid’s second goal in the 2024 Champions League final – a strike that was said to solidify his claim for this year’s award.

But, the pendulum appeared to swing over the summer, when Rodri, who had just weeks earlier helped inspire City to their fourth straight Premier League title, shone for Spain en route to their Euro 2024 triumph.

Despite hobbling off midway through the final against England with an injury, Rodri was awarded the Player of the Tournament award for his exploits in Germany.

It saw Rodri’s Ballon d’Or odds shorten, with Pep Guardiola among those gunning for the ex-Atletico Madrid star.

On Rodri’s credentials, manager Guardiola said earlier this year: “When I saw Spain I saw him and he was the level he has been playing for many years. His consistency was good. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]… they were together [for Spain at Euro 2024] and I am happy for them.

“There are a few candidates for the Ballon d’Or. [From] Real Madrid, Manchester City… I can’t deny how happy he would be.

“To be in the race is fantastic for him, his family, friends and of course Manchester City. We are so proud.”

Rodri was less confident when quizzed, admitting it was a source of pride just to be in the conversation.

Speaking to TNT Sports he said: “It is great to be there with these players. It is great that the people value your performance and your talent.

“For me, it’s already a victory what the people say about me, the recognition I have. It’s not something that has pushed me, individual awards. It’s just a consequence of the work. But I think it would be great for my country.”

The Ballon d’Or winner will be officially confirmed in Paris on Monday, October 28.