Real Madrid set to snub Ballon d’Or again

Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to boycott the Ballon d’Or awards for the second year in a row, as tensions over Vinicius Jr’s 2024 snub remain unresolved.

The Spanish giants shocked the football world last year when they skipped the ceremony after learning Manchester City’s Rodri had won instead of their winger Vinicius Jr. Now, according to reports, senior club officials, including president Florentino Perez, are expected to again skip the Theatre du Chatelet event in Paris on Monday evening.

While Madrid’s four nominees, including Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe have permission to attend, scheduling conflicts mean the men are likely to miss the show due to LaLiga duties. Scottish star Caroline Weir, however, is expected to attend.

The dispute stems from Real Madrid’s ongoing frustration with UEFA and France Football, who they claim “do not respect” the club after overlooking Vinicius last year. The snub extended to the Club of the Year award, which Madrid also failed to collect in 2024, leaving an awkward empty stage while Carlo Ancelotti accepted his Coach of the Year prize via video.

Vinicius Jr responded defiantly on X last year, posting: “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready.”

This year, however, Vinicius is not among the front-runners for the top prize. PSG’s Ousmane Dembele leads the bookmakers’ predictions after a record-breaking season with 43 goal contributions, helping Luis Enrique’s side secure a historic treble, including their first Champions League title. Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah are also in the mix.

Other notable nominees include Scott McTominay, Florian Wirtz, Viktor Gyokeres, and England’s breakout stars Michelle Agyemang, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Dean Huijsen. Hannah Hampton is shortlisted for the Women’s Yachine Trophy for best goalkeeper, following her heroics at the European Championship.