Real Madrid boycotted the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony for the second yr on account of perceived disrespect from UEFA, following a controversial resolution final yr.
Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham(AP)
One of the most important noticeable takeaways from the rostrum was that no Real Madrid participant made it to the highest three. This has sparked rumours whether or not the European giants handed the ceremony because of the similar.
Institutional rift stems absence
The roots of Real Madrid’s boycott hint again to October final yr, when the membership made the controversial resolution to withdraw from the ceremony after studying Vinícius Júnior wouldn’t win the boys’s Ballon d’Or award for the season, which as an alternative went to Manchester City’s Rodri. The membership’s stance was unequivocal, with sources stating that “Ballon d’Or-UEFA doesn’t respect Real Madrid. And Real Mardid doesn’t go the place they aren’t revered.”
President Florentino Pérez has maintained this hard-line method, with sources contained in the membership suggesting he suspects UEFA influenced final yr’s resolution to not award Vinícius the Ballon d’Or, given the membership’s continued help of the European Super League challenge. This institutional rift has confirmed unimaginable to heal, regardless of makes an attempt at reconciliation.
Continued standoff
France Football even despatched a delegate to Madrid in an try and rebuild the connection forward of the 2025 ceremony, however the try went unsuccessful. The membership’s resolution to boycott was made properly earlier than Monday’s ceremony, representing a continuation of their 2024 protest quite than response to any particular 2025 outcomes.
The absence carries vital implications for the 15 time UCL Champions. Real Madrid had three gamers nominated for the 2025 Men’s Ballon d’Or award. Vinícius Junior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham, alongside Thibaut Courtois for the Yashin Trophy and Dean Huijsen for the Kopa Trophy. None attended the ceremony in Paris.
Broader implications
The boycott additionally had sensible concerns this yr. Real Madrid are to face Levante 24 hours after the gala, including scheduling issues to their principled stance. However, this logistic concern seems secondary to the deeper institutional grievances.
This ongoing standoff highlights the stress between particular person recognition and institutional delight. By refusing to ship representatives, Real Madrid are inserting their narrative and delight above the visibility and recognition of their very own stars. This in flip units a precedent that would affect future award ceremonies and the broader relationship between Europe’s elite golf equipment and soccer’s governing our bodies.
The 2025 ceremony proceeded with none Real Madrid presence, underscoring how the membership’s dispute with the award’s organizers has advanced from a single-year protest to sustained institutional place that transcends particular person outcomes or participant achievements.
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