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Ongoing Rift Between Real Madrid and France Football

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Manchester City's Rodri poses with his trophy during the 2024 Ballon d'Or France Football award ceremony, October 2024
Xinhua / Alamy Stock Photo

The Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony, the pinnacle event in football where the world’s best player is unveiled, is fast approaching. Among the frontrunners are three exceptional athletes: Ousmane Dembele, Lamine Yamal, and Raphinha.

Currently, speculation suggests that the teenage star from FC Barcelona has the highest chances of claiming the coveted prize, as Rodri’s successor. The grand event is set to take place on Monday, September 22.

According to reports from L’Equipe, one of the most prestigious clubs globally will once again be conspicuously absent from the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. Real Madrid has decided to continue its boycott, refraining from sending representatives to the ceremony in France.

This ongoing dispute stems from leaks regarding the results of the previous Ballon d’Or voting. Many experts believed that Vinicius Junior was the rightful winner, but the prestigious award ultimately went to Rodri.

In response, Real Madrid chose to boycott the event, even though they were set to collect accolades recognizing them as Club of the Year and their coach Carlo Ancelotti as Manager of the Year.

France Football attempted to mend relations by arranging discussions with Florentino Perez. However, the Spanish giants have stood firm on their decision, refusing to participate in the upcoming Ballon d’Or gala.