Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was awarded the men’s Ballon d’Or on Monday after securing a fourth consecutive Premier League title and winning Euro 2024. However, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony in protest.

The decision to award the prize for the world’s best player to the deep-lying midfielder was unexpected, with Real Madrid’s Liga and Champions League double-winner Vinicius Junior widely regarded as the pre-ceremony favourite.

Hours before the festivities in Paris, the Spanish club announced that its delegation would not attend the ceremony at the Châtelet Theatre, citing perceived disrespect towards Vinicius.

Rodri, 28, played a pivotal role as City fended off Arsenal to clinch the Premier League title last season. He was also named Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, where Spain emerged victorious in Germany.

Despite French organisers insisting that the identity of the winner was closely guarded, news appeared to have leaked, prompting Madrid to announce its boycott hours before the event.

Earlier, Barcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won her second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or, after leading her club to an historic continental quadruple and securing the Nations League with Spain.