Institutional Absence

Real Madrid has confirmed it will not attend the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala in Paris as an institution. The decision comes as no surprise, since it had been expected for days that the club would once again decline to send official representatives to the event organized by France Football.

The absence adds to the stance taken last year, when the club staged a protest over the voting system. However, unlike that occasion, there is no explicit veto this time: nominated players are free to attend if they wish.

Calendar Constraints

One of the practical reasons behind the decision is the schedule. The men’s first team faces Levante away in LaLiga on Tuesday, making it difficult for Mbappé, Vinícius and Bellingham—the club’s three Ballon d’Or nominees—to attend. In addition, Thibaut Courtois is also in the running for the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper.

Among the young talents, Dean Huijsen is listed as a candidate for the Kopa Trophy, although traveling to Paris seems unlikely given the immediate league commitments.

Freedom for the Women’s Team

In the case of the Real Madrid Femenino, the situation is different. Caroline Weir, nominated for the Women’s Ballon d’Or, and Linda Caicedo, a candidate for the Women’s Kopa Trophy, have been given the club’s approval to attend the ceremony. All signs point to Weir being present at the Théâtre du Châtelet, representing Madrid on a personal basis.

Thus, while the club will not have institutional representation, some of its stars may still walk the red carpet in Paris. It’s a contrast between the firm stance of the institution and the individual freedom of its players, in a gala where Real Madrid remains at the center of the conversation—even without being officially present.