Real Madrid will once again snub the Ballon d’Or ceremony, in what has now become an annual show of protest against the prestigious award. The decision comes in the wake of last year’s storm when Rodri controversially beat Vinícius Júnior to the crown, sparking outrage among Madrid fans and club officials alike. That frustration boiled over into a boycott last year, and it appears Los Blancos are set to repeat the stance tonight in Paris.
Softfootball understands that the race for this year’s prize is shaping up to be just as dramatic, with PSG winger Ousmane Dembélé and Barcelona teenage sensation Lamine Yamal considered the frontrunners. The Spanish youngster has been tipped as the face of the future, and his potential triumph could be one of the biggest storylines of the night.
According to top journalist Fabrizio Romano, he revealed via his Facebook page that Real Madrid’s decision has already been communicated behind the scenes, he said;
𝗝𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗜𝗡: Real Madrid will NOT attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony tonight, confirms The Athletic!
Florentino Pérez has informed officials of the boycott.
Softfootball reports that Madrid’s stance is rooted in a belief that their players especially Vinícius Jr , have been overlooked on the world stage despite their performances. With Rodri’s win last year still fresh in the memory and controversy swirling again this year, their absence is being seen as a bold reminder of that dissatisfaction.
Adding to the drama, Softfootball understands that Lamine Yamal is already preparing for the possibility of glory, with sources revealing he plans to host a private party should he lift the prestigious trophy tonight. Whether it’s the PSG star Dembélé or Barcelona’s prodigy Yamal who takes the crown, the Ballon d’Or ceremony is set to deliver fireworks both on and off the stage.
