Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or organizers remains icy, with the club still holding a grudge over last year’s outcome that denied Vinicius Junior the prestigious award. The fallout from the 2024 ceremony continues to echo, threatening to overshadow this year’s event in Paris.
The 2024 edition saw Vinicius widely tipped to win the crown after a stellar season in which he was central to Los Blancos’ domestic and European success. Instead, the award went to Manchester City midfielder Rodri, a decision that stunned fans and pundits alike. Real Madrid responded with a dramatic boycott of the gala, an unprecedented move that underscored their anger.
Since then, attempts by organizers to mend the fractured relationship have reportedly fallen flat. Despite outreach efforts, Madrid remain unconvinced, believing their stars are often overlooked in favor of others. The sting of Vinicius missing out, despite his explosive form and clutch performances, is still raw.
This year’s ceremony, set for September 22 in Paris, promises another dramatic chapter. Paris Saint-Germain winger Ousmane Dembele enters as the frontrunner after producing his finest season yet. His mix of creativity, consistency, and influence on PSG’s campaign has seen him installed as favorite for a maiden Ballon d’Or.
Young sensation Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is also in the running, adding another layer of intrigue to the competition. His meteoric rise has made him one of the most talked-about players in world football, and some see him as a potential disruptor in the final vote.
Real Madrid, however, are not without representation. Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham all feature on the shortlist, giving Los Blancos a strong trio of candidates. Yet optimism is muted within the club, with a prevailing belief that voting patterns may again work against their players.
As the countdown to the glittering Paris gala begins, the ongoing standoff between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organizers looms large. Whether bridges can be rebuilt or further divisions created will depend not just on the winner, but on how fairly Madrid perceive the outcome.
