Not even the Ballon d'Or winner knows they’ve won until tonight’s ceremony, according to sources from the organization of the trophy created in 1956 by France Football magazine.

Following Real Madrid’s decision to cancel their trip to Paris—believing that their Brazilian forward, Vinicius, will not be this year's winner as all predictions suggest—the organizers decided to clarify a few points.

Unlike past editions, France Football and UEFA, who are co-hosting the gala for the first time, did not inform the winner beforehand. Additionally, they have not conducted the traditional winner's interview or held the photoshoot with the trophy for the next issue of the French publication.

The organizers state that neither the winning player’s club was informed, calling Real Madrid’s reaction “incomprehensible.” Convinced that Vinicius, who won both the Champions League and the Spanish league, would be the Ballon d'Or recipient, Real Madrid announced they would not attend the ceremony in Paris. This move fueled speculation that the award might go to Manchester City’s Spanish star, Rodri, who recently won both the Euros and the English league.