Real Madrid eye Ballon d’Or return as London ceremony looms

Under the looming silhouette of the London Eye, Real Madrid officials surveyed the venue for the Ballon d’Or ceremony on 26 October. Still angry after the 2024 edition’s outcome, the Spanish club is now weighing a return to the coveted seats.

Relations with France Football improve

According to L’Équipe, the club’s relationship with France Football has softened. The improved dialogue follows months of tension after the club boycotted the ceremony. This détente opens the door for a possible appearance in Londres.

The prospect of Kylian Mbappé winning the award could tip the balance. D’après the daily, a Madrilène presence would be conceivable if the Bondynois remained well placed in the predictions. Mbapp could accompany the club’s return should the French striker stay in contention. Cette development fuels speculation about the club’s stance.

Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony for two consecutive years. In 2024, Rodri was favoured over Vinícius Júnior, and in 2025 the club again stayed away. The relations never truly eased during that period.

Un unusual twist saw the White House decline to travel to Paris, believing the Brazilian deserved the 2024 trophy. That episode deepened the friction between the organisers and the Spanish side.

José Mourinho declared he would vote for his striker, while Ibrahima Konaté echoed the sentiment after the Champions League win over Inter Milan. The captain of France also voiced confidence in Mbappé’s chances. These endorsements add visibility to the French forward’s candidacy. Mbapp remains a focal point of discussion.

A trip to Londres would signal an evolution in the club’s rapport with the Ballon d’Or organisers. It would not, however, guarantee Mbappé’s triumph, as predictions do not equal the final vote.

The last Madrilène to lift the trophy was Karim Benzema in 2022. His win remains a reference point for the club’s ambitions.