A real storm has rocked the football world following the surprising statements made by Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez. The Real Madrid president has made a radical decision: banning his players from attending the 2025 Ballon d’Or gala , an event historically considered the most prestigious event in world football.
In a forceful message, Pérez didn’t hesitate to express his contempt for the award: “This is a meaningless prize, I lost faith in it a long time ago…” With these words, the Real Madrid president made it clear that he no longer recognizes the legitimacy of the distinction that for decades has crowned the best footballer on the planet.
The news hit the sports press and social media like a bombshell. For many, it’s an unprecedented move that reflects the growing tension between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organizers, who have been accused on several occasions of favoritism and controversial decisions. Real Madrid fans are divided: some support Pérez, convinced that the award has lost its credibility, while others consider it an unnecessary blow to the players’ image.
The reaction was swift. The FIFA president himself responded with a firm and direct message, defending the importance of the award and, in a veiled manner, challenging the Real Madrid president’s stance. His words reportedly silenced Pérez, according to several media reports, further intensifying the tension between football’s governing body and Europe’s most successful club.
The background to this controversy is not new. For years, Florentino Pérez has questioned the transparency of individual awards in football. His Super League project, still under discussion, also reveals his intention to challenge the traditional structures of the sport. For him, Real Madrid should focus on collective titles and not on personal accolades, which, in his opinion, have become “manipulated media spectacles.”
The big question now is how Real Madrid’s own players will react. Players like Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham were among the favorites to appear on the podium at the 2025 edition. Being denied the opportunity to attend the gala could generate internal tensions within the dressing room, especially among a generation of young players who still value this type of international recognition.
Meanwhile, the international press is speculating about the repercussions this measure could have on Real Madrid’s image. While some analysts believe Pérez is defending the club’s dignity in the face of an increasingly controversial award, others believe it is a strategy to divert attention from other issues, such as pressure in the Champions League or the demands of the Super League.
What’s clear is that Florentino Pérez’s decision has sparked a global debate. Has the Ballon d’Or lost its value? Or is this an act of personal rebellion by the Real Madrid president against the football establishment?
Whatever the answer, this episode marks a turning point in the relationship between Real Madrid and individual awards. The 2025 Ballon d’Or gala, which should be a celebration of football, risks becoming a stage devoid of Real Madrid stars, a fact that will undoubtedly make history.
