The winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or has allegedly been leaked on social media ahead of Monday's official ceremony.
At the gala event in Paris, it will be revealed who has succeeded Lionel Messi in being named as the best player in the world for their performances over the past 12 months.
While there are a number of high-profile names in the frame, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior and Manchester City midfielder Rodri have been regarded as the top-two contenders for the award.
For just the third time since 2007, a player other than Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo will be crowned the winner, arguably creating greater suspense over who will lift the trophy.
However, it appears that the crowning moment may have been ruined by a list appearing on X that shows who has won and the points totals for the top 11.
© Imago
Who has allegedly won the 2024 Ballon d'Or?
As per the leaked list, it is Vinicius Junior (630) who has come out on top, edging out Rodri (576) by 54 points with the duo clear of the rest of the competition.
Jude Bellingham (422) is more than 200 points adrift of his Real Madrid teammate, with fellow Los Blancos player Kylian Mbappe (317) in fourth place.
Bayern Munich and England man Harry Kane is down in fifth position with 201 points, ahead of Erling Haaland and Barcelona's Lamine Yamal who are the only other players to achieve more than 100 points.
Phil Foden, Dani Olmo, Florian Wirtz and Dani Carvajal make up the top 11, with Antonio Rudiger in 12th spot.
The list was shared, as per the Daily Mail, by a Portuguese-speaking journalist.
© Imago
Would Vinicius Junior be a justified winner?
There will be an argument that Rodri's performances in the engine room for Manchester City and Spain were so influential that he was a difference maker in both sides.
Vinicius Junior was unable to guide Brazil to a Copa America trophy at the same time as Spain were winning Euro 2024, but the 24-year-old did play a pivotal role in Real Madrid's La Liga and Champions League success.
A total of 21 goals and 11 assists came in those competitions, three strikes being netted in the wins over Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund during the latter stages.
Furthermore, eight goals and six assists have been contributed in the same competitions this campaign, Vinicius Junior's reputation on the rise at a time when Rodri is sidelined in the long term with a serious knee injury.
Darren Plant
