The boycott is OVER! Real Madrid make sensational Ballon d'Or U-turn after two years of controversy
Real Madrid are finally ending their war with the Ballon d'Or! After two years of controversy and high-profile absences, the Spanish giants are reportedly preparing a spectacular return to football's most prestigious individual awards ceremony.
Details: According to Polymarket Sports and reports from L'Équipe, Real Madrid intend to send a large delegation to the 2026 Ballon d'Or ceremony in London on October 26. Several nominated players are expected to attend after the club boycotted the 2024 ceremony and maintained only a minimal presence in 2025. The decision represents a major change in relations between the Spanish club and the award organisers. However, the exact composition of the delegation has not been officially confirmed.
The conflict began in 2024 when Real Madrid cancelled their participation after learning that Vinicius Junior would not win the award. Manchester City midfielder Rodri eventually received the trophy, triggering frustration in Madrid. The club also largely stayed away from the 2025 ceremony, when Ousmane Dembélé claimed the prize.
This year could be different. Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham are among the Real Madrid players nominated for the main award. Thibaut Courtois is also a contender for the goalkeeper prize. The club therefore has several reasons to restore its presence at the ceremony.
The event will take place at the London Palladium, marking the 70th edition of the Ballon d'Or and its first staging in the British capital. While Madrid's reported return is significant, it does not reveal who will win the trophy.
It's worth noting that the ceremony begins at 20:00 GMT on Monday, October 26. The large Madrid delegation is expected according to media reports, but individual attendance and the eventual award winners remain unconfirmed.
Reminder: Real Madrid may boycott Ballon d'Or ceremony as relations with organisers hit rock bottom.
Miguel Solomons
Dailysports's expert
