Kylian Mbappe and Real Madrid Skip 2025 Ballon d'Or Ceremony - Here's the Shocking Reason Why

Kylian Mbappé and Real Madrid were conspicuously missing from the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala for the second year running.

Football's elite players, coaches and clubs gathered in Paris at the Théâtre du Châtelet on Monday night. Ousmane Dembélé and Lamine Yamal were among the ceremony's highlights, joined by Aitana Bonmatí and Lucy Bronze, though several prominent figures were notably absent from the audience.

Mbappé, despite being shortlisted for the 2025 Men's Ballon d'Or honor, chose not to travel to France. His co-nominees Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham were similarly absent from the proceedings.

Kopa Trophy candidate Dean Huijsen and Yashin Trophy contender Thibaut Courtois also skipped the 2025 Ballon d'Or event, meaning Real Madrid had zero presence at football's most coveted awards night.

Why Kylian Mbappe, Real Madrid Aren't at 2025 Ballon d'Or Ceremony

Real Madrid experienced a public rift with France Football following Vinícius Júnior's defeat to Rodri for the 2024 Men's Ballon d'Or trophy. The club completely boycotted last year's event and has maintained their absence from Spain this year.

While the Spanish powerhouse didn't provide a clear explanation for skipping the 2025 Ballon d'Or ceremony, new manager Xabi Alonso indicated his attention is on Real Madrid's forthcoming fixture against Levante in under 24 hours.

"I follow plenty of football, but that's not my concern. I don't need to cast votes, we'll discover the winner following the gala. I haven't given it much consideration," Alonso stated during his pre-game media briefing.

"We face Levante tomorrow, and each match carries significant weight. My concentration is entirely on Levante," he continued.

France Football allegedly attempted to mend their strained relations with Real Madrid before this year's ceremony, but discussions between both sides reportedly concluded unsuccessfully.