In a stunning announcement that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Kylian Mbappé has confirmed that neither he nor his club, Real Madrid, will be present at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony scheduled for the end of the year. The decision, revealed during a press conference earlier today, has left fans and pundits scrambling for answers.
“This year, we’ve decided not to attend,” Mbappé stated firmly. “It’s a choice made after discussions within the club and for reasons we believe are important. Football is about more than individual awards, and our focus is entirely on the team and the season ahead.”
While the French superstar did not elaborate on the specific reasons behind the boycott, speculation is already running wild. Some sources suggest that Real Madrid’s absence may be linked to disagreements with the Ballon d’Or voting process, which has often been criticized for favoritism and inconsistency. Others point to possible scheduling conflicts, with the club potentially engaged in a high-intensity fixture list around the same time.
The Ballon d’Or, awarded annually by France Football, is widely regarded as the most prestigious individual prize in world football. Historically, players have treated it as the ultimate recognition of their achievements — making this withdrawal all the more surprising. Mbappé, a two-time World Cup finalist and one of the sport’s most marketable stars, has been a regular fixture at the ceremony in previous years.
Real Madrid’s decision also sends a clear message. The club, which boasts more Ballon d’Or winners than any other in history, has traditionally been strongly represented at the gala. Their absence will be noticed, both on the red carpet and in the award rankings.
Reactions across the football community have been mixed. Some supporters applaud the decision, seeing it as a protest against a system they feel has grown more political than merit-based. Others view it as a missed opportunity for recognition, especially if Mbappé is among the frontrunners for the 2025 title.
Social media has exploded with debates, with hashtags like #BoycottBallonDor and #MbappeStatement trending worldwide. Fans are already predicting how this move might influence the award’s credibility in the future.
For now, Mbappé’s stance is resolute: “The team comes first. Trophies we win together mean more than any individual award.” Whether this boycott will spark similar moves from other top players remains to be seen, but one thing is certain — the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony just lost some of its biggest stars.
