La Liga giants Real Madrid are expected to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on Monday for the second year in a row. Los Blancos famously failed to attend in 2024 after learning that star man Vinicius Jr had been pipped to the prestigious Golden Ball by Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri. Tensions between Real Madrid and UEFA still linger in the wake of the snub as the club feel they have been unfairly treated.
Dembele and Yamal favourites for Ballon d'Or
The winner of the Ballon d'Or will be announced on Monday at a glitzy ceremony in Paris. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Paris Saint-Germain forward Ousmane Dembele are the two favourites for the prestigious prize which was won last year by Rodri. The Manchester City star was named in the best male player in the world in 2024, ahead of Vinicius Jr, which prompted outrage back in the Spanish capital and saw Los Blancos boycott the ceremony in protest at the decision.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportReal Madrid set for second Ballon d'Or boycott
Real Madrid are set to boycott the awards ceremony again as their rift with UEFA after last year's snub has still not healed, according to AS. There were feelings of disbelief and "shock and anger" at Vinicius Jr missing out on the top prize and a belief the club had been disrespected. Real Madrid players do have permission to attend but nominated players such as Kylian Mbappe, Thibaut Courtois, Dean Huijsen and Jude Bellingham are not expected to attend. Xabi Alonso's side are also due to play away at Levante in La Liga on Tuesday night which has also played a part in the club's decision.
Seven Real Madrid players nominated
Los Blancos do have seven players nominated for awards at the 2025 ceremony. Bellingham, Mbappe and Vinicius are up for the main award, while Caroline Weir has been nominated for the women's Ballon d'Or. Courtois has been shortlisted for the Yashin Trophy, while Huijsen and Linda Caicedo are in contention for the best young player awards.
AFPBig week for Real Madrid in La Liga
Real Madrid will instead be focused on La Liga and games against Levante and Atletico Madrid. Alonso's side take on Levante on Tuesday and then head to the Metropolitano on Saturday for the first Madrid derby of the new season.