Even though attacking midfielder Jude Bellingham was third, Dani Carvajal finished fourth, and coach Carlo Ancelotti won the coach of the year award, no one from Madrid attended the gala in central Paris.

Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or award on Monday as the world’s best soccer players, while Real Madrid snubbed the star-studded ceremony in Paris in apparent protest.

The Manchester City player was outstanding for club and country last season - and should feel great pride at his achievement