Real Madrid to Boycott Ballon d’Or Ceremony Again in 2025
Real Madrid will not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony in 2025, marking the second consecutive year the Spanish giants have chosen to stay away from the prestigious award. This decision continues the growing tensions between the club and the organizers of the award, French outlet L’Équipe reports.
The absence of Real Madrid has become a statement in itself. The club feels its players are not being valued fairly on the international stage, despite producing excellent performances at both domestic and European levels.
Why Real Madrid is Boycotting Again
This is not the first time Los Blancos have refused to participate. Last year, Real Madrid also stayed away from the ceremony after frustration over the Vinícius Júnior vs. Rodri debate. The controversy left the club hierarchy dissatisfied with how their players were treated and recognized.
In 2025, the situation remains unchanged. Club officials believe that once again, their top performers have been overlooked, making the award lose its credibility in their eyes.
Main Contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or
According to reports, Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembélé are considered the leading contenders for this year’s prize. Both players have enjoyed outstanding seasons, with Yamal breaking through as one of the brightest young talents in world football, while Dembélé has delivered consistent performances for PSG.
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These names, however, have only added to Real Madrid’s frustrations, as the club believes their own stars should also be in the running.
Real Madrid’s Stand on Player Recognition
Real Madrid argue that their players have done enough to deserve recognition at the highest level. In particular, Kylian Mbappé, who won the 2025 European Golden Shoe as the continent’s top scorer, is viewed by the club as a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or.
The boycott underlines the club’s belief that their achievements are being sidelined, despite their continued dominance in Europe and La Liga.
A Deepening Disconnect
The decision to skip the ceremony two years in a row shows just how deep the rift has grown between Los Blancos and the Ballon d’Or organizers. For the Spanish champions, it is no longer just about individual awards, but about respect and recognition for their contribution to world football.
Whether this stand will influence future editions of the award remains to be seen, but it is clear that Real Madrid’s absence casts a shadow over the 2025 ceremony.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Real Madrid boycotting the Ballon d’Or ceremony again?
A. Real Madrid is boycotting because they believe their players are not fairly recognized. They feel awards like the Ballon d’Or overlook their achievements, despite strong performances in Europe and Spain.
Q2. Who are the main contenders for the 2025 Ballon d’Or?
A. The leading names for this year’s award are Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and PSG’s Ousmane Dembélé, both of whom had excellent seasons in 2025.
Q3. Which Real Madrid player does the club believe deserves more recognition?
A. The club strongly believes Kylian Mbappé should be a main candidate, especially after winning the 2025 European Golden Shoe as the top scorer in Europe.
Q4. Did Real Madrid also boycott last year’s Ballon d’Or?
A. Yes, they refused to attend the 2024 ceremony after frustration over the Vinícius Júnior vs. Rodri debate, which left the club hierarchy unhappy.
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Q5. How does this affect the Ballon d’Or ceremony?
A. Real Madrid’s absence reduces the weight of the event. With one of the biggest clubs in world football missing, the ceremony risks losing credibility among fans and players.
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