Source:REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq
[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media reports, after the controversy over last year’s Ballon d’Or, Real Madrid has remained silent on this year’s award and may skip the ceremony for the second consecutive year. Recently, France Football magazine released the 30-player shortlist for the 2025 Ballon d’Or, with the final results to be announced in Paris on September 22. Although Real Madrid had three players on the list, the club did not publicize it as usual. In the past, whenever the Ballon d’Or, Kopa Trophy, Yashin Trophy, or Best Club of the Season award were announced, Real Madrid would dedicate space on their website and social media for promotion. However, this time, when the Ballon d’Or shortlist was announced, Real Madrid’s website and social media remained completely silent. This follows last year’s incident, when all signs pointed to Vinicius Junior winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or, but just hours before the ceremony, the club and players received word that Rodri from Manchester City had won. Real Madrid was extremely disappointed and angry, believing the result was unfair, and immediately canceled their plans to attend the ceremony, which led to a strained relationship with the organizers, France Football.