Figo surprise at Real Madrid Ballon d’Or no-show: ‘I understand the disappointment’

Former Inter, Real Madrid and Barcelona forward Figo has said that he understands the disappointment of not winning the Ballon d’Or, but admitted that it was still a big surprise to see the Real Madrid delegation boycott the ceremony in Paris after Vinicius Jr. placed second behind Manchester City’s Rodri on Monday night.

No representatives from Real Madrid attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday evening after they learned that Vinicius Jr. would not be winning the main award. That meant no Florentino Perez, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham and no Dani Carvajal either.

Figo ‘understands disappointment’ after Real Madrid no-show at Ballon d’Or

Figo, who won the Ballon d’Or himself in the year 2000, said that he knew he was going to win the award before he collected the trophy 24 years ago, but told La Gazzetta dello Sport that the organisers try and keep things under wraps until the last minute these days.

He also told the pink paper what he was doing when he learned of the news.

“I was in the hotel when I heard the news about their absence. It surprised me, there’s always a chance of winning when you are nominated. When I won it, I knew the final result beforehand, but now they try and keep everything secret until the last minute.

“There are winners and losers in every decision. I’ve lost before, so I understand the disappointment, but you always try to get everybody to attend.”

Figo was pleased to see two representatives from his former side Inter on the shortlist. Lautaro Martinez finished in seventh place, while Hakan Calhanoglu came in 20th.

“I always follow Italian football with a lot of fondness and interest. It’s a great time for it. And my Inter are always looking really strong, this makes me very happy – The Nerazzzurri are always in my heart,” he said.