2026 Ballon d'Or: Real Madrid end boycott, several players expected

Over the past two years, there have been long-running tensions between the Ballon d’Or and Real Madrid. This year, Los Blancos have decided to change their strategy.

Indeed, according to information from L’Équipe, Real Madrid will be represented at the ceremony scheduled for this Monday, October 26, in London, the day after the Clásico against FC Barcelona. Los Merengues boycotted the 2024 edition after Vinicius Jr lost out to Rodri. They then largely snubbed the 2025 ceremony, where only forward Caroline Weir made the trip.

Vinicius expected in London

Several Real Madrid players are expected in the English capital, according to the French newspaper. Real Madrid have four contenders for the 2026 Ballon d’Or. They are Kylian Mbappé, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior and Marc Cucurella.

Other players from the club have also been nominated in different categories, including Thibaut Courtois for the best goalkeeper award, Yan Diomandé among the young talents and Felicia Schröder for the best female young player award.

Also read: 2026 Ballon d'Or: "I would love to be able to achieve something," Harry Kane

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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