Ballon d'Or 2025: Real Madrid continues its boycott

Clearly, the Ballon d'Or no longer holds much meaning for Real Madrid since Karim Benzema's triumph in 2023.

Last year, the Real Madrid delegation decided to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony. This decision came after learning the results and, in particular, Vinicius Junior's defeat to Rodri. This Thursday, as highlighted by Spanish media outlet El Desmarque, the Madrid club appears to be sticking to its guns.

Indeed, this Thursday, France Football unveiled the list of 30 nominees for the 2025 men's Ballon d'Or. Three Real Madrid players made the shortlist: Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior, and Jude Bellingham. The Spanish club is also well represented in other categories, with Dean Huijsen and Linda Caicedo nominated for the Kopa Trophy, as well as Courtois for the Yachine Trophy, and several entries for the Women's Ballon d'Or.

However, Real Madrid has yet to issue any public congratulations to its players, breaking with tradition. This silence speaks volumes.

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.