Real Madrid will once again be absent from the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris on Monday, repeating its stance from last year. The club remains at odds with the organizers over what it views as an injustice to Brazilian star Vinicius Jr.
The tension dates back to 2024, when Madrid pulled out at the last minute after learning Vinicius would not win the top prize despite being the favorite. Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately claimed the trophy, and the rift between the club and the award’s organizers has not healed.
Why Mbappé, Bellingham and Vinicius are snubbing the Ballon d’Or
While Real Madrid will not be represented institutionally, nominated players are free to attend if they wish. The men’s nominees, Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius, are expected to skip the event because of an upcoming league match against Levante.
Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir, a finalist on the women’s side, may attend, though no confirmation has been given.
Real Madrid’s 2025 Ballon d’Or nominees
Despite the boycott, Madrid boasts an impressive seven individual nominees. Along with Mbappé, Bellingham, Vinicius and Weir, defender Dean Huijsen is up for the Kopa Trophy for best young player, Linda Caicedo is nominated for the women’s Kopa, and goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is a finalist for the Yashin Trophy honoring the world’s top goalkeeper.
Standoff with UEFA and L’Équipe
The Ballon d’Or is organized by France’s L’Équipe in partnership with UEFA, and Real Madrid believes Vinicius was treated unfairly in last year’s voting.
“The Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid, and Real Madrid will not go where it is not respected,” club executives said after the 2024 snub.
Organizers called the stance “incomprehensible,” but the club remains unmoved, saying neither UEFA nor the award committee has made any effort to make amends.
Madrid, which maintains a closer relationship with FIFA than UEFA, a fact highlighted during last year’s Club World Cup, sees no reason to appear in Paris. Club president Florentino Pérez and institutional relations director Emilio Butragueño will stay in Madrid, and the boycott remains in effect with no end in sight.