Manchester City midfielder Rodri is widely tipped to win the 2024 men’s Ballon d’Or tonight, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. to the award.

According to seasoned football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Real Madrid believes that the award, initially expected by many to go to Vinicius Jr., will instead be given to Rodri.

Romano shared on his Facebook page, “Vinicius Jr.’s entourage are now convinced that the Real Madrid forward will not be named as Ballon d’Or winner. Everyone in Madrid has this feeling.”

Romano further noted, “Vinicius Jr will not travel to Paris as he will not win the Ballon d’Or. No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham in Paris today as decided by the club.”

Vinicius Jr. had been viewed by many as a favorite for the award after an impressive 2023-24 season, where he scored 24 goals and helped Real Madrid secure three trophies, including La Liga and the Champions League. He notably scored six goals in the Champions League, including one in the final against Borussia Dortmund.

If Rodri secures the Ballon d’Or, it will recognize his exceptional season with Manchester City, where he won his fourth consecutive Premier League, as well as his role in helping Spain capture the UEFA Euro title. He would also be the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Despite being ruled out for the rest of the season due to injury, Rodri has already arrived in Paris for the ceremony.