According to sources within the Ballon d’Or organization, established in 1956 by France Football, the winners remains unknown to everyone—even the recipients—until the Ballon d’Or ceremony itself.

This clarification came after Real Madrid canceled their delegation’s trip to Paris, in their firm belief that their Brazilian forward, Vinicius, would not claim the trophy, despite being the predicted favorite.

France Football confirms the Ballon d’Or winner does not know until the event

The organizers were quick to set the record straight, noting that this year, unlike in previous years, France Football, collaborating with UEFA for the first time in hosting the gala, has not informed the winner ahead of time.

Furthermore, organizers added that there was no traditional interview or photo shoot with the winner and the trophy, which typically appears in the following issue of the French publication. Nor was the player’s club notified in advance, with organizers expressing that they found “Real Madrid’s position incomprehensible.”