Ballon d’Or: Real Madrid Still Bitter Over Vinicius-Rodri 2024 Saga as Ousmane Dembele Set for Maiden Win

Real Madrid’s strained relationship with France Football, the organizers of the Ballon d’Or, shows no signs of improvement ahead of the 2024/25 awards ceremony. 

According to Spanish outlet Marca, the French magazine has tried multiple times to reconcile with the club, even sending representatives to Madrid, but their efforts have been met with cold resistance.

The root of the tension lies in last year’s Ballon d’Or controversy, when Vinicius Junior was widely expected to claim the prestigious prize.

 Instead, the award went to Rodri, who edged out the Brazilian in the final points tally. In protest, Real Madrid reportedly boycotted the gala, an unprecedented move that highlighted the depth of their frustration.

In recent months, France Football has made several attempts to rebuild its relationship with Los Blancos, hoping to smooth tensions before this year’s event. However, these gestures have so far proved unsuccessful. 

For Madrid, the perceived injustice of Vinicius missing out — despite his standout performances during the 2023/24 season — remains fresh.

The dispute has cast a shadow over what should be football’s most glamorous awards night, with speculation mounting over whether Real Madrid will again distance themselves from the gala.

The 2024/25 Ballon d’Or ceremony is set for September 22 in Paris, where Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele is tipped as the frontrunner. 

The Frenchman has enjoyed a stellar season, and many expect him to claim his first-ever Ballon d’Or. Rising star Lamine Yamal of Barcelona is also seen as a strong contender.

Real Madrid, however, still have three nominees in the mix: Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham. Despite their presence on the shortlist, the mood within the club reportedly remains one of skepticism, with fears that the voting process could again overlook their players.

As the football world prepares for the Paris gala, the ongoing standoff between Real Madrid and France Football threatens to overshadow the ceremony. Whether the organizers can mend ties with one of the sport’s most powerful institutions remains to be seen.