Just minutes after the Manchester City and Spain star was announced as the winner, Vinicius Jr posted cryptically on social media. “I’ll do it 10x if I have to,” he wrote on X. “They’re not ready.”

He didn’t provide any clarity on what he meant, but the words of another Real player, Aurelien Tchouameni, seemed to underline the club’s discontent. He responded by writing: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver. Love.”

Just hours before the ceremony began, news broke that no representatives from the Champions League and La Liga holders had travelled to France. “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner,” a club spokesperson told AFP.

“As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”

Organisers changed policy for this year’s ceremony, keeping the winner’s identity secret until the on-stage announcement. But Real’s boycott made for some awkward moments, with no one there to receive their Men’s Club of the Year award.

Carlo Ancelotti was also announced as the Men’s Coach of the Year. The Italian later posted on social media, and seemingly made a point of thanking Vinicius, writing: “I want to thank my Family, my President, my Club, my Players and above all Vini and Carvajal.”

Rodri, still on crutches from his ACL injury, was emotional after being helped on stage to accept the award. And he struggled to hold back tears as he thanked his fellow players at both club and country level.

“Manchester City. Thank you, you’re so special, I know I wouldn’t be here without you. For me they are the best club in the world,” he said. “I’d like to thank the national team and Luis (de la Fuente) for trusting me for so long. My colleagues with whom I won the Euros, Carvajal, he should’ve been here with me. Lamine, I know you’ll win this award soon.”