Real Madrid is preparing to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony for the second consecutive year, highlighting an ongoing rift between the club and the organisers of football’s most prestigious individual award.

The gala returns tonight at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, but according to AS, Madrid’s hierarchy has decided to stay away. The boycott stems from last year’s fallout when the club staged a dramatic no-show after learning that Manchester City midfielder Rodri would be crowned ahead of Vinicius Jr.

Their absence in 2024 forced organisers to remove nameplates for Vinicius and Jude Bellingham and reassign empty seats. Madrid also declined to collect the Best Men’s Club prize, issuing a statement at the time:
"If the award criteria don’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

While nominees are allowed to attend this year, scheduling conflicts are expected to prevent several stars—including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe—from appearing, as Real Madrid faces Levante in LaLiga on Tuesday. Caroline Weir, shortlisted on the women’s side, is more likely to attend, while Dean Huijsen, Thibaut Courtois, and Linda Caicedo are reportedly aligning with the boycott.

Attention has shifted to Paris Saint-Germain’s Ousmane Dembele, the bookmakers’ favourite after a stellar season in which he delivered 43 goal contributions and helped PSG secure a historic treble including their first Champions League title. Barcelona teenager Lamine Yamal and Liverpool star Mohamed Salah are also considered leading contenders, with Napoli’s Scott McTominay among the surprises.

Mbappe, also nominated, has openly supported Dembele, joking, “I’d deliver it to his house if it were up to me.”