Real Madrid Nears Second Consecutive Ballon d'Or Boycott Amid Dispute

Real Madrid is poised to boycott the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris for the second consecutive year due to unresolved tensions with France Football, the event's organizer. The rift began in 2024 when the Ballon d'Or was awarded to Manchester City's Rodri, a decision that sparked outrage at Real Madrid, who believed Vinicius Junior deserved the trophy, leading to the club's last-minute withdrawal from the ceremony. Despite France Football's attempts to reconcile, including sending a delegation to Madrid, talks have failed and no representatives from Real Madrid are expected to attend the September 22 event. The club has three players nominated for the 2025 Ballon d'Or—Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham—along with other nominations for club members in various categories. However, given Real Madrid's lack of titles last season and the presence of strong contenders from other clubs, their players are not favorites to win. The ongoing boycott highlights a significant divide between one of football's most prestigious clubs and the Ballon d'Or organizers, potentially setting a precedent for future ceremonies.