Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Boycott: A Standoff Continues

Madrid, Spain – The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, a night meant to celebrate football’s brightest stars, faces another potential shadow as Real Madrid reportedly plans to boycott the 2025 event. This follows a dramatic absence last year, fueled by perceived injustices in the voting for the Men’s Ballon d’Or.

Just two weeks before the glittering event in Paris, sources close to the club suggest that the Spanish giants and France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or, have failed to mend their fractured relationship. This ongoing dispute stems from Real Madrid’s strong protest over the 2024 awards, where they felt their star, Vinícius Júnior, was unfairly overlooked.

The 2024 Controversy: A Precedent Set

Last October, the football world watched as Real Madrid made a bold statement by boycotting the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony. Not a single player, manager, or representative from the club attended the event at the Théâtre du Châtelet. The catalyst? The announcement that Manchester City’s Rodri had won the Men’s Ballon d’Or ahead of Real Madrid’s dazzling winger, Vinícius Júnior, who ultimately finished second.

The empty seats where Real Madrid officials and players should have been were a stark visual. Even when Carlo Ancelotti was awarded the Men’s Johan Cruyff Trophy and Real Madrid was named the Men’s Club of the Year, the stage remained devoid of their presence. Kylian Mbappé, who had only just joined the club that summer, also abstained from attending to collect the Gerd Müller Trophy, which he shared with Harry Kane. This unprecedented stance sent shockwaves through the football community, questioning the integrity and future of the awards.

Failed Reconciliation Efforts

According to reports from MARCA, attempts to “reestablish relations” between Real Madrid and France Football have been unsuccessful. France Football reportedly sent a delegate to Madrid in a bid to find common ground and ensure Real Madrid’s attendance at this year’s ceremony on September 22. However, these crucial meetings were ultimately “unsuccessful,” leaving the prospect of another boycott looming large.

Unlike last year, the favorites for the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or are not exclusively Real Madrid players. Yet, the club still boasts a formidable presence with three players nominated for the prestigious honor: Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham. Additionally, Dean Huijsen is nominated for the Kopa Trophy, and Thibaut Courtois is a contender for the Yashin Trophy.

The Implications of a Continued Boycott

Should Real Madrid proceed with another boycott, some of the sport’s biggest names would once again be conspicuously absent from the Théâtre du Châtelet. This would not only diminish the star power of the event but also set a significant and potentially damaging precedent for future awards ceremonies. The ongoing standoff between one of football’s most decorated clubs and the organizers of its most prestigious individual award raises serious questions about the relationship between clubs, players, and the awards that seek to celebrate their achievements.

The Ballon d’Or has long been seen as the pinnacle of individual achievement in football. A sustained boycott from a club of Real Madrid’s stature could force a re-evaluation of how these awards are perceived and managed, potentially leading to broader discussions about transparency, voting processes, and the overall engagement of key stakeholders in the beautiful game.