A delegation from France Football reportedly traveled to Madrid to mend fences after last year’s boycott, but the European champions are still feeling “disrespected.”
Nearly a year after Real Madrid staged a full boycott of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, the relationship between the Spanish giants and the award’s organizers remains deeply fractured. According to a new report, a recent attempt to repair the rift has ended in failure.
The tension began at last year’s ceremony in Paris, where Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. was pipped to the main award by Manchester City’s Rodri. Upon learning he would not win, Vinicius led a club-wide boycott, canceling his planned attendance—complete with a chartered flight and private party—in a show of solidarity from the entire club.
Despite having three players in the top four and winning Men’s Club of the Year, no Real Madrid representative attended the gala. The club’s only acknowledgement was a brief congratulations for their team award, with players instead posting messages of support for Vinicius.
A club source captured the mood at the time, telling AS: “It is obvious that the Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid, and Real Madrid is not where it is not respected.”
Now, Spanish outlet MARCA reports that France Football recently sent a delegation to Madrid in an effort to “reestablish relations” with the record 15-time European champions. Those meetings, however, were “unsuccessful,” and the two parties remain far from any understanding.
The ongoing dispute casts doubt on whether any Real Madrid player or official will attend this year’s ceremony, set for September 22nd at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris. In a further sign of the strained ties, manager Carlo Ancelotti has still not physically received his trophy for being named best men’s coach of the year.
With Real Madrid coming off a rare trophy-less season, the club’s stand against the Ballon d’Or looks set to continue, underscoring a deep-seated belief that their achievements and stars are not given due respect on football’s biggest individual stage.
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- France Football Editor Explains Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d’Or Snub: “Vote Split Among Madrid Stars Benefited Rodri
- Real Madrid to Boycott Ballon d’Or Ceremony Over Suspected Snub of Vinicius
- Real Madrid’s Silent Protest: The Ballon d’Or No Longer Matters at the Bernabéu
- Rodri Won Ballon d’Or 2024, Edging Vinicius Jr. by Just 41 Points
- Vinicius Junior Crowned FIFA Men’s Player of the Year at Star-Studded Ceremony
