Real Madrid are expected to boycott tonight’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, after reports emerged that Vinicius Junior is unlikely to win the award.
The Brazilian was the firm favourite, having played a leading role in his side’s Champions League and LaLiga glory last season, but the Brazilian is set to miss out to Manchester City midfielder Rodri.
A dramatic night is ahead in Paris then, with a first-time winner of the Ballon d’Or guaranteed. The award has been almost exclusively dominated by Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the past two decades, but neither have made the shortlist this time, with Luka Modric and Karim Benzema also not included.
Previous winners Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas are among those nominated for the Ballon d’Or Feminin, while Manchester United duo Kobbie Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho are in the running for the Kopa Trophy, given to the best men’s under-21 player.
There are plenty other awards to be handed out too, and you can follow all the action from tonight’s ceremony with Standard Sport’s LIVE blog below!
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