Real Madrid Remain Discontented with France Football Ahead of Ballon d’Or Ceremony

Key Takeaways:

• Recent reconciliation efforts by France Football with Real Madrid have not been successful
• Real Madrid continue to express frustration over Vinícius Júnior not winning the Ballon d’Or last year
• The 2025/26 Ballon d’Or ceremony is scheduled for 22 September in Paris, with Ousmane Dembélé highlighted as favourite and Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham among Real Madrid’s nominees

Renewed Tensions Between Real Madrid and Award Organisers

According to a report from Marca, initiatives by France Football to mend relations with Real Madrid have so far not come to fruition. Representatives from France Football have visited Madrid in an effort to calm tensions, but the Spanish side remains dissatisfied, especially after last year’s Ballon d’Or outcome. At that time, Real Madrid’s delegation opted to boycott the award ceremony, after Vinícius Júnior was overlooked for the accolade, which instead went to Rodri following the tally of votes.

🚨 BREAKING: The tensions between Real Madrid and the Ballon d'Or organizers continues. A delegation from France traveled to Madrid to settle the matter, but it did not end positively.

— @marca pic.twitter.com/vENgCZ8lF3

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) September 9, 2025

Ballon d’Or 2024/25 Ceremony and Main Contenders

As the build-up to the 2025/26 Ballon d’Or ceremony intensifies, organisers have made repeated efforts in recent months to improve their relationship with the reigning Spanish champions. Nevertheless, these attempts have yet to yield a breakthrough.

This year’s prestigious event will take place in Paris on 22 September. Ousmane Dembélé of Paris Saint-Germain is currently tipped as favourite to secure the Ballon d’Or trophy, while Barcelona’s emerging star, Lamine Yamal, is also considered a serious contender. Real Madrid will see Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham nominated, as anticipation rises over whether the club’s run on the European stage can be translated into individual recognition.

Key Nominees at a Glance