Real Madrid have decided not to attend the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony, marking the second consecutive year the Spanish giants will be absent from football’s most prestigious awards night. According to reports from L’Équipe and Yahoo Sports, the decision stems from ongoing tensions between the club and the organizers, France Football.
The strained relationship first became public in 2024 when Real Madrid staged a boycott of the Paris ceremony. At the time, the club was unhappy that their Brazilian star, Vinícius Jr., was overlooked for the top prize despite his stellar performances in La Liga and the Champions League. Not a single club representative—players or officials—made the trip, an absence that drew criticism across European football.
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Efforts were made this year to resolve the dispute. Delegates from France Football reportedly visited Madrid in an attempt to convince the club to return to the ceremony. However, the talks proved unsuccessful, with sources close to the situation suggesting that the relationship remains “frozen.”
The Ballon d’Or is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual award in world football, and Real Madrid’s absence for a second year running is a significant statement. It underlines the depth of dissatisfaction the club feels with what it perceives as a lack of recognition for its players’ achievements.
The boycott comes at a time when several Madrid stars are considered strong contenders for awards, including Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Rodrygo. Their absence from the ceremony will be felt both by fans and organizers, as Real Madrid remain one of the most decorated and influential clubs in the sport’s history.
This latest decision further highlights growing friction between top clubs and football’s traditional governing institutions. For Real Madrid, the Ballon d’Or may have lost its shine—but their absence will once again cast a long shadow over the ceremony.