Real Madrid Boycotts 2025 Ballon d’Or, Bans Stars from Attending
Real Madrid has announced a boycott of the 2025 Ballon d’Or, refusing to let Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, or any of their players travel to Paris for the award gala scheduled for September 22.
According to MB, club president Florentino Pérez has decided that no Real Madrid member will attend the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony — a move identical to last year.
Relations between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organizers have soured since last year’s gala. This year, the club will once again stay away, saying they will not act as “backdrop” for their rivals.
Despite efforts by France Football (the Ballon d’Or organizer) to ease tensions and restore friendly relations, Real Madrid remains firm in its decision to fully boycott the 2025 event.
The situation stems from Vinícius Jr. shockingly missing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or at the last moment. Everyone at Real Madrid was convinced the Brazilian forward would win, based on numerous leaks, only to find out that Rodri (Manchester City) was named the winner.
In response, Pérez immediately canceled the club’s charter flight carrying 60 members to Paris and withdrew from the gala. “We won’t storm the gala just to be side characters,” he reportedly said.
This year, Real Madrid has three players on the 30-man shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or — Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., and Jude Bellingham — but none are considered heavy favorites.
Meanwhile, Ousmane Dembélé (PSG) and Barcelona stars Lamine Yamal, Pedri, and Raphinha are among the top contenders, having played key roles in both the Champions League and domestic competitions.
Real Madrid management believes Barcelona will dominate the spotlight at the 2025 Ballon d’Or stage and refuse to “play background actors” for their fiercest rivals.
Despite continued persuasion from France Football, no one from Real Madrid — including Mbappé, Bellingham, and Vinícius — will travel to Paris for the gala on September 22.