Real Madrid to snub Ballon d'Or gala for second year in protest

According to AS, the rift has "not healed" since 2024, when Vinicius Junior was widely considered the frontrunner yet lost out to Manchester City star Rodri.

The perceived injustice has left a bitter taste at the Bernabeu, with Madrid's hierarchy opting to leave their seats empty at the Theatre du Chatelet on Monday evening.

The decision comes despite seven Madrid representatives being nominated across the various awards: Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Vinicius himself for the men's Ballon d'Or, Caroline Weir for the women's prize, Dean Huijsen and Linda Caicedo for the Kopa Trophies, and Thibaut Courtois for the Yashin Trophy.

The boycott underlines the depth of Madrid's frustration with France Football, sending a strong message on the club's stance regarding fairness and recognition. For the second year in a row, one of the world's most decorated clubs will be absent from football's glitziest awards night.