Real Madrid's Bold Ballon d'Or Boycott Perfectly Aligns With Mbappe's Burning Ambitions

Real Madrid have reportedly called off their Ballon d'Or boycott and are set to attend football's most prestigious ceremony next week.

Los Blancos have stayed away from the glittering event since Rodri claimed the Men's Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinícius Júnior in 2024. Upon discovering that the Brazilian winger had placed second in the vote despite guiding the club to Champions League, La Liga, and Spanish Super Cup triumphs, Real Madrid publicly condemned the outcome and refused to participate in the ceremony.

The boycott extended into 2025, with no representatives from the Real Madrid men's squad or club leadership appearing for a second consecutive year. Reports surfaced ahead of the event suggesting the club and France Football had been unable to mend their significant falling-out.

However, Los Blancos' self-imposed absence appears to be drawing to a close. According to L'Équipe, Real Madrid intend to be present at the 2026 ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on Monday, Oct. 26.

The club's nominees are expected to travel to England just one day after what could be a title-shaping Clásico at the Camp Nou on Sunday.

Kylian Mbappé Confirms Ballon d'Or Attendance

Among the frontrunners for this year's Men's Ballon d'Or is Kylian Mbappé. The French international finished as the top scorer in both La Liga — where he claimed a second successive Pichichi Trophy — and the Champions League throughout the 2025–26 campaign.

Mbappé also led the scoring charts at the 2026 World Cup, netting 10 goals as France advanced to a fourth-place finish. Across all competitions, the striker registered 58 goals for club and country.

Mbappé had followed Real Madrid's example over the previous two years by skipping the ceremony. However, he has already confirmed his presence in London on Monday.

"El Clásico and then the Ballon d'Or ceremony? Let's go for it," Mbappé declared following Real Madrid's commanding 4–1 victory over RB Leipzig in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Should he claim the award for the first time in his career, Mbappé is determined to be there to receive it in person.

Every Real Madrid Ballon d'Or 2026 Nominee

It comes as little surprise that Real Madrid's four nominees for the Men's Ballon d'Or are the quartet who delivered for both club and country in 2025–26. Jude Bellingham earned his nomination following a standout World Cup with England, built on the back of an industrious season in the famous white jersey.

Mbappé is among the few others who matched that level of impact at the World Cup. The Frenchman became the tournament's all-time top scorer at just 27 years of age.

Vinícius Júnior also features, having been Real Madrid's standout performer in the second half of the season and Brazil's most influential player at the World Cup. Summer arrival Marc Cucurella completes the quartet, recognized for his contributions to Spain's World Cup-winning campaign.

Caroline Weir may now be plying her trade at OL Lyonnes, but she has earned a Women's Ballon d'Or nomination for her performances during her final season at Real Madrid. This marks her second successive year in contention for the accolade.

Los Blancos are also well-represented in the Kopa Trophy categories, with Yan Diomande and Felicia Schröder both receiving nominations. Nevertheless, Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Vicky López are widely tipped to take home those respective honors.

Thibaut Courtois is in the running for the Yashin Trophy for the fourth time in his distinguished career. The goalkeeper previously won the award back in 2022.