As the Ballon D’Or ceremony commenced in Paris, several key footballers were not present for the ceremony. This included the entire squad of Real Madrid. As Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the Ballon D’Or several people noticed that one very prominent person was missing from the crowd. That person was Rodri’s Manchester City teammate and striker Erling Haaland. There was a lot of speculations regarding why Erling Haaland was not present for the ceremony. There is a very interesting reason for Haaland missing the Ballon D’Or ceremony. 

Know Why Erling Haaland Missed Out On The Ballon D’Or Ceremony 

Erling Haaland skipped the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris on Monday to watch a friend clinch the Swedish league title with Malmö instead.

The Manchester City striker, who was nominated for the Ballon d’Or but was not considered among the favorites, was seen in the stands in Malmö as the defending Swedish champion beat IFK Göteborg 2-1 to secure the title with two rounds remaining.

He posted a picture on Instagram of himself wearing a Malmö jersey, which has the same light blue color as City’s shirt.

Read More: Football World Left Divided As Vinicius Jr. Snubbed For Ballon D’Or 2024

Haaland’s Norwegian friend Erik Botheim plays for Malmo as a forward.

Malmo, which is eight points clear of Hammarby in the league table, has won the Swedish title a record 24 times.

Because of the long winter, the Swedish league starts in the spring and ends in the fall unlike most of the European leagues.

Rodri Wins Ballon D’Or As Vinicius Jr. Snubbed For Award 

It was an eventful night at the Ballon D’Or gala as Rodri picked up his first Ballon D’Or award. There is massive outrage in the football world as Vinicius Jr. was not given award as previously thought. This has led to the football world to be divided into two parts. 

Read More: Ballon d’Or 2024 Winners: Complete List from Rodri to Aitana Bonmatí

As it remains right now, Rodri is the 2024 Ballon D’Or winner. 

(With AP Inputs)