Real Madrid boycotts 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony amidst tensions

The club's absence underscores ongoing tensions with France Football and UEFA, stemming from the 2024 decision to award the Ballon d'Or to Manchester City's Rodri over Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior.

Despite the nominations of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappe for the prestigious award, Real Madrid has chosen not to attend the event.

Sources within the club have indicated that the decision was influenced by President Florentino Perez, who perceives UEFA's involvement in the award process as a conflict of interest due to the club's support for the European Super League project.

This boycott reflects a broader pattern of discontent within Real Madrid regarding the Ballon d'Or's governance. 

The club did not acknowledge their Coach of the Year and Club of the Year awards at the previous year's ceremony, further highlighting their dissatisfaction.

While Real Madrid maintains their absence from the event, the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony proceeds without their participation.

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