MADRID (AP) — Vinícius Júnior is not expected to be at the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday, when the award for the world’s best player in men’s and women’s football in 2024 will be announced.

The Brazilian striker was among the favorites of the men’s team, but doubts arose that he would win the award after he did not attend the ceremony. According to a person who works for Vinícius and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity, the decision not to go to Paris was made by his club, Real Madrid, because it was not authorized to speak publicly about the player’s whereabouts.

A new era would begin in which Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who won the prestigious individual award 13 times in total, would not compete for this year’s award for the first time since 2003.

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri appeared to be in a prime position to win the award. Rodri was seen arriving at the premiere on crutches after injuring his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for City last month.

In the women’s category, Barcelona and Spanish midfielder Aitana Bonmatí, who won the 2023 award, are among the favorites again this year. The Champions League winner and Spanish champion will compete with Barcelona teammates Caroline Graham Hansen and Salma Paralluelo.

The Ballon d’Or was created by France Football magazine and has been awarded to men since 1956 and to women since 2018. It is voted by journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings.

Each journalist selects 10 players, one from each country, according to the rankings with points attributed to each position. The winner is the player with the most points. Unlike FIFA’s annual awards for the best players, fans are not part of the voting system.

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AP Sports Writer Steve Douglas contributed to this report.

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