The prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony took place on Monday night, yet noticeably absent from the grandeur of the event were the stars of Real Madrid, including Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. This notable absence was due to Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the occasion, sparking widespread attention and discussion throughout the world of football. The snub, as perceived by the Spanish club, was over what they deemed an unjust overlook of their players for nominations.
The scenic Chatelet Theatre, renowned for hosting iconic events, was the venue for this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony. Amid the glitz and glamour, the audience, both seated in the theatre and viewers watching at home, were met with a video montage featuring Vinicius Junior, despite his absence. This inclusion hinted at his significance in the world of football, even if he was not present to walk the stage among those nominated.
Despite his unquestionable talent and a stellar season with Real Madrid, Vinicius was not among the select group of nominees parading onto the stage. As the ceremony unfolded, it became clear that Real Madrid’s decision to boycott was not just about Vinicius Junior, but the broader dissatisfaction they felt towards the criteria and selections underpinning the Ballon d’Or accolades.
To give context to this boycott, Real Madrid had a commendable presence among the initial list of 30 nominations for the individual award. This includes not only current footballers but also includes Kylian Mbappé, a player frequently linked with the club in transfer speculations, and other key stars such as Antonio Rüdiger, Fede Valverde, and the now-retired Toni Kroos. However, none of them ended up showcasing their stylish attire on the red carpet that evening. This absence was palpable to those present at the Chatelet Theatre and to fans of the club globally.
In a statement to AFP, a major French news agency, Real Madrid expressed their dissatisfaction and skepticism concerning the methodology used to determine the winner of the Ballon d’Or. They particularly emphasized the case of their player Dani Carvajal, another nominee who Real Madrid believed was unduly overshadowed.
. “If the award criteria don’t award Vinicius, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or and UEFA do not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected,” the club stated to AFP.
This defiant stand by Real Madrid was not just an internal matter of club or team discontent, but it also echoed the larger conversation about fairness and transparency in the selection processes of football’s coveted awards. It highlighted ongoing issues many clubs have faced when it comes to international recognition and how these accolades are perceived by fans and members of the football community.
Furthermore, the backdrop to this ceremony was marred by a recent spate of controversies. The boycott occurred shortly after a series of racial abuses directed towards Real Madrid players, notably the talented Vinicius Junior, during recent matches, which added a layer of complexity and tension to the narrative gripping Spanish football.
The action by Real Madrid split opinion across the sporting world. Some supported the club’s decision as a bold move to take a stand against what they see as systematic discrepancies. Others viewed it as an unwise absence from an event that, regardless of contention, remains one of the most prestigious nights in football.
As the ceremony concluded without the presence of the Real Madrid players, the football world was left to ponder the implications of this dispute on future interactions between Real Madrid, UEFA, and other governing bodies of the sport. The fallout could lead to future reforms but, for the moment, the tension remains. The saga at the Ballon d’Or serves as yet another example of how deeply interconnected sports and politics can be, with neither one able to completely exist without some influence from the other.
