A source in *The Athletic* reported that Real Madrid has decided to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony for the best player of the season. According to the source, the decision was made by club president Florentino Perez, citing Madrid striker Vinicius Junior's failure to win the award in 2024.
Vinicius finished second in the 2024 Ballon d'Or poll, losing to Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodrigo. It is believed that Vinicius' inability to win the award led to Real Madrid's decision.
Among the contenders for the 2024 Footballer of the Year award were also 7 Real Madrid players, which indicates that the club has a very strong squad. Manchester City and Arsenal also each had four candidates. One of the closest pursuers, Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, has been named the best coach.
Among the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d'Or are three Real Madrid players: Jud Bellingham of England, Kylian Mbappé of France, and Vinicius Junior of Brazil. It can be said that the competition among these four players will intensify.
Fans, seeing the club boycott, on the one hand, want to see more players for the Ballon d'Or, considering Real Madrid's high-level football and strong squad. On the other hand, Real Madrid's desire to ensure the true value of its players while acknowledging their position is also noteworthy.
This decision is based on the club's future priorities, and new debates regarding the Ballon d'Or could intensify.
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