Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report

Real Madrid relationship with Ballon d’Or organisers improving after major fallout – report Real Madrid’s relationship with the Ballon d’Or suffered a spectacular fallout a couple of seasons ago during the saga involving Vinicius Junior. However, according to MARCA (h/t Madrid Zone ), relations between Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers are slowly improving and veering towards normality again. Madrid and Ballon d’Or rebuilding relationship The dispute erupted around the 2024 ceremony after Madrid learned that Vinicius Junior would not win the Ballon d’Or, with Manchester City midfielder Rodri ultimately receiving the award. Madrid reacted strongly, deciding not to send their delegation to the ceremony in Paris despite several representatives being expected to attend. The decision turned what should have been a celebration of Madrid’s successful season into a major controversy. Vinicius Jr. was robbed of the Ballon d’Or in 2024. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images) The club’s absence also made clear that the disagreement extended beyond disappointment over one individual award. Relations subsequently became extremely strained. Now, however, the situation appears to be changing. A significant change after 2024 For Madrid, rebuilding the relationship does not mean forgetting what happened. The club felt strongly about the treatment surrounding the 2024 ceremony, particularly after Vinicius had been widely viewed inside Madrid as deserving of the prize. However, remaining in a permanent dispute with one of football’s most prestigious institutions offers limited benefit. Madrid routinely have players competing for the biggest individual honours in the sport. Maintaining a functional relationship with the Ballon d’Or organisers is therefore the more practical position. It is a work in progress to return the relationship to where it was before the 2024 controversy, but a first step is always good news. A player like Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the Ballon d’Or this year, and it would be important to mend fences ahead of a potential accolade. Tensions beginning to ease Kylian Mbappe is in the running to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) The important development is simply that the relationship is moving in a more positive direction. It is significant considering how publicly and dramatically Madrid distanced themselves from the ceremony two years ago. Ultimately, the understanding that the Ballon d’Or is an award decided by voting would help resolve a lot of this controversy. There is absolutely no doubt that Vinicius Junior deserved to win the award in 2024 for the season he had, but that is in the past. Madrid do not need to forget, but it is important that they mend fences with the organisers ahead of potential accolades for their superstars in the coming years.