Carlo Ancelotti defended Real Madrid's decision to boycott last year's Ballon d'Or awards ahead of his team's Champions League playoff against Manchester City. Madrid did not attend October's gala ceremony after Vinicius Junior was beaten to soccer's most prestigious individual prize by City midfielder Rodri.

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has on Monday provided an insight into the reasoning behind the club’s call not to send representatives to last year’s Ballon d’Or gala.The subject of the

Real Madrid stars opted to skip the ceremony in October, believing Vinicius Jr. should have been named the world's best player instead of Manchester City's Rodri