Club and Players Snub Prestigious Award Amid Lingering Tensions with Organizers
Real Madrid’s icy relationship with the Ballon d’Or shows no signs of thawing, with the club and its stars continuing to ignore football’s most celebrated individual honor—as if it no longer holds any weight in their eyes.
According to a report from SPORT, Madrid’s disdain for the award remains as strong as ever, even after multiple players were included in this year’s shortlist. The rift began in 2024 when Vinícius Júnior, widely tipped to win, was surprisingly beaten by Manchester City’s Rodri. The decision, announced just hours before the Paris ceremony, prompted an immediate boycott—Real Madrid pulled out entirely, refusing to send any representatives.
The fallout only deepened in the following days. Whispers of UEFA’s influence over the voting process fueled suspicions, especially given the governing body’s partnership with France Football for the first time. Given Real Madrid’s long-standing feud with UEFA—particularly over the European Super League—the club’s silence spoke volumes.
This year, despite having three male players nominated, Madrid’s stance hasn’t softened. The club’s official channels have ignored the nominations, and none of the shortlisted stars—unlike in previous years—have publicly celebrated their inclusion. The only acknowledgments came from women’s players Caroline Weir and Linda Caicedo, along with youth prospect Dean Huijsen, who shared their pride on social media.
“Honored to be on this list alongside so many great players,” Weir posted on Instagram—a stark contrast to the deafening silence from her male counterparts.
Madrid’s message is clear: in their eyes, the Ballon d’Or has lost its prestige. By treating it as if it doesn’t exist, the club is making a powerful statement—one that suggests they no longer see the award as a true measure of greatness. Whether this is a temporary protest or a permanent shift remains to be seen, but for now, the Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid appear to be worlds apart.
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