Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has revealed that the LaLiga club instructed him not to attend the Ballon d’Or award ceremony last year.
Ahead of the event, Vinicius was heavily tipped to win the prize ahead of Manchester City’s Rodri.
However, on the day of the ceremony, Madrid canceled plans made by their delegation.
This followed the leak of information that Rodri would be named the best footballer in the world.
Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who also won the Manager of the Year award, was absent from the gala.
“There are people who vote, that’s it,” Vinicius said.
“I will have other chances to win more awards and titles with this club.
“The club asked me NOT to go to the gala… and stay in Madrid. I do what they say.”