Vinicius had already chosen the location for the 2024 Ballon d'Or before the ceremony

Vinicius Jr was convinced he would win the 2024 Ballon d’Or well before the ceremony — and for good reason: he had been warned. This is revealed by Rafa Hermoso, brother of Spanish international Jennifer Hermoso, in a testimony published on Instagram.

According to his account, the Real Madrid player had invited close friends to dinner at his home to announce the news. “He was told that he had to win the Ballon d’Or,” explains Rafa Hermoso, who describes an evening organized around this announcement. The Brazilian had even anticipated where he would place the trophy. “He had already found its place in a display case,” he adds.

The evening was also linked to Jennifer Hermoso, who was expected in Paris to receive an award. A precise scenario had even been imagined for the ceremony: “They agreed that my sister would present him with the Ballon d’Or and that Vinicius would present her with the award.” Jennifer Hermoso did indeed receive the Socrates Prize in Paris, which rewards players committed to social and charitable projects.

But the planned script did not materialize. It was Rodri, the midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, who was crowned 2024 Ballon d’Or. The Real Madrid delegation, led by Vinicius Jr, boycotted the ceremony, causing one of the most discussed sequences in the trophy’s history.

This revelation comes as France Football unveiled, on Tuesday, September 8, the 30 nominees for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, with the ceremony scheduled for London. It reignites debate over the behind-the-scenes of the 2024 edition, which had already sparked considerable controversy.