Boycott apparently over: Real Madrid expected to attend the Ballon d’Or gala

In 2024 and 2025, Real Madrid pointedly boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony. That is likely to change again this year. Could this also be linked to Kylian Mbappé’s chances of winning?

Two years ago, there was a huge outcry when Real Madrid decided on the spur of the moment to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony and stay away from the event in Paris. The background to this was that it had been leaked shortly beforehand that football’s most prestigious individual award would not go to Vinicius Junior, but to Rodri, who was still playing for Manchester City at the time.

“It is clear that Real Madrid is not respected at the Ballon d’Or. And Real Madrid will not go anywhere where it is not respected,” sources close to the club said at the time. The news spread like wildfire, resulting in a huge media response.

Real Madrid also largely stayed away from last year’s ceremony. For one thing, relations between the club’s leadership, led by President Florentino Pérez, and the organisers at *France Football* were still considered to be at a stand-off. Even a meeting with representatives of the French magazine had apparently failed to bridge the gap. Added to this was the fact that there was no realistic chance of winning an award.

Mbappé is regarded as a promising candidate

Things are different this year: Kylian Mbappé, a player from Real Madrid, is regarded as one of the most promising candidates to win the Ballon d’Or – alongside, amongst others, Harry Kane (Bayern Munich) and Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona). According to a report in L’Equipe, Real Madrid’s plan is for several of the nominated players to travel to London on Monday – the day after the Clásico against FC Barcelona – where this year’s Ballon d’Or will be presented.

Furthermore, Real Madrid can hope to win awards in other categories: Thibaut Courtois is nominated for Goalkeeper of the Year, whilst Yan Diomande is among the candidates for the award for Best Young Player. In the women’s competition, new signing Felicia Schröder can also hope to win the Young Player of the Year award.

It remains to be seen whether the planned trip actually signals a change in attitude towards the organisers or is linked to the club’s own title hopes – particularly with regard to Mbappé.