The Bitter Aftertaste of the Ballon d’Or: Real Madrid’s Stand Against the Ceremony
A year has passed, but Real Madrid continues to harbor bitterness over the previous Ballon d’Or award ceremony. On October 28, the prestigious accolade wasawarded to Rodri, a player from Manchester City. This decision was met with outrage by Real Madrid, who had anticipated that their rising star, Vinícius Júnior, would take home the coveted trophy. Feeling sidelined by the results, the club chose to boycott the ceremony in Paris, with neither players, coach Carlo Ancelotti—who won the award for best coach—nor any official representatives making an appearance.
The Fallout from the 2023 Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid’s absence from the awards ceremony was not merely a gesture; it reflected the profound dissatisfaction the club felt. To many fans and analysts alike, the decision to award Rodri over Vinícius Júnior felt like a significant oversight. The Brazilian winger had been instrumental in Real Madrid’s performance throughout the season, and his omission was perceived as a slight not only against him but against the entire club’s legacy.
As the months rolled by, the situation did not improve. Fast forward to the 2024/2025 season—a season lacking major trophies for Real Madrid. With the coming of the next Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for September 22, the club finds itself once again feeling overlooked. The nominations include Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Jude Bellingham. However, the expectation is low; none of these players are considered front-runners for the award this year, further deepening the sense of frustration.
Real Madrid Shuns the Upcoming Ceremony
There’s a strong possibility that Real Madrid will again opt out of attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, ongoing discussions between the club and the organizers have been unproductive. Real Madrid remains confused and dissatisfied with how the previous year’s awards played out. The involvement of UEFA in the ceremony—which has been a source of conflict due to the Super League debacle—only compounds the issue.
In an environment where old grievances cloud relations, a formal representation from Real Madrid at the ceremony seems unlikely. Their absence would serve as a stark reminder of the rift that has emerged, highlighting that the past year’s grievances have not been resolved. This would mark a significant departure from the club’s valued tradition of participation in such prestigious events. Over the years, Real Madrid has celebrated many of its players being honored at the Ballon d’Or, from legends such as Alfredo Di Stéfano to modern icons like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić.
The Consequences of Boycotting the Ceremony
The decision to boycott a prestigious event like the Ballon d’Or is not without consequences. It signifies to the world, including potential recruits and other clubs, that Real Madrid is not merely competing in football—they intend to dominate at every level of the sport. The absence of their representation could lead to a perception that any award ceremonies are beneath them, but it may also alienate proactive relationships with governing bodies, sponsors, and even other clubs.
The rift extends beyond the trophies. Undoubtedly, there are fiscal implications as well. Awards often lead to sponsorship deals and enhance a club’s marketability. Boycotting can cut off critical avenues for building relationships that are essential for a club of Real Madrid’s stature.
Moving Forward: The Future of Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or
While the upcoming ceremony remains on the horizon, what remains unclear is how Real Madrid will address its grievances. Will the club find a way to mend its relationship with the Ballon d’Or organizers, or will this be a long-standing dispute? The narrative could change if Vinícius Júnior performs exceptionally well this year, propelling him into contention for the award and perhaps making participation more palatable for the club.
Regardless of how events unfold, Real Madrid’s emotional and practical investments in the Ballon d’Or remain a significant chapter in the club’s storied history. They have departed from tradition this past year, and how they move into the future remains to be seen. It’s a story of pride, legacy, and the longing for acknowledgment that may not be easily won back.