Bridges are burned, as far as Real Madrid is concerned.
For many fans, over the last few years, the Ballon d'Or award has lost a lot of its prestige and meaning that it once had. When Messi and Ronaldo were battling over the award, fans were able to tell with their own eyes what the criteria for winning the award were; however, nowadays, not so much.
For many, the confusion started with the 2020 edition of the award when the award was cancelled, when Robert Lewandowski was the sure-fire favorite. The confusion was only multiplied the following year when Messi was given the award when Lewandowski was the runaway favorite again.
However, from Real Madrid's perspective, last year's award was the line in the sand. For many, Vinícius Júnior was the clear favorite up until the day of the award when Manchester City midfielder Rodri went home with the trophy.
Since then Real Madrid have held a grudge against France Football, the givers of the award, and the two sides have yet to reconcile their relationship. The 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony is coming up later this month, and Real Madrid have made their stance known on where they are regarding the award.
As being reported by Marca, Real Madrid plan to boycott the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony on September 22nd, just as they did with last year's award ceremony. The club does not plan on sending any representatives to Paris for the event, following in their own footsteps from last year.
Unlike last year, Real Madrid doesn't have any players who are considered to be a frontrunner for the award; however, players like Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, and Vinícius Júnior are still nominated for the award. Dean Huijsen is also nominated for the Kopa trophy for best defender, while Thibaut Courtois is once again nominated for the Yashin trophy for best goalkeeper.
Real Madrid are never one to shy away from controversy; they almost thrive in it. Should the club once again decide to boycott the ceremony, it would only add to the tension between the club and France Football going forward.
The report also went on to state that amidst the controversy, former Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti is still yet to receive his award for being named the best men's head coach last year, which only adds to Real's animosity.