MADRID – Real Madrid’s last-minute decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday has sparked controversy in Spanish football, with La Liga president Javier Tebas condemning the move as a “lack of elegance.”
The boycott followed a leaked report indicating that Manchester City’s Rodri would win the award, bypassing Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal. The club had organized a 50-member delegation for the Paris event, anticipating that Vinicius, their standout forward, would secure the title of best male player.
When the leak revealed Rodri as the top pick, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez withdrew the delegation, stating the club would not attend an event where their players were “not respected.”
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“If Vinicius isn’t named the winner, then Carvajal should be,” the club stated, adding, “It’s clear the Ballon d’Or does not respect Real Madrid, and we will not attend an event that disrespects us.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas, a known Madrid supporter, criticized the boycott, suggesting the club should have shown more sportsmanship. In an interview with L’Equipe, he commented, “As a Madrid fan, I believe in the importance of grace in defeat. Real Madrid should have attended the ceremony and respected the process.”
He added, “Their reaction shows a ‘victimhood’ mentality that goes against the elegance this club once embodied.”
During the Ballon d’Or ceremony on October 28, 2024, Rodri was indeed awarded best male player, with Vinicius placing second, Jude Bellingham and Carvajal taking third and fourth, and Erling Haaland rounding out the top five.
Rodri’s critical contributions to Manchester City’s Premier League win and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory ultimately earned him the top spot, overshadowing Vinicius’s remarkable season of 26 La Liga goal involvements and six Champions League goals.
The boycott has further highlighted tensions within European football, as top clubs grapple with recognition and the influence of global award institutions.