Real Madrid Plans London Travel for Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Real Madrid is planning to send a large delegation to the Ballon d’Or ceremony in London, according to a report by the French sports newspaper L’Équipe. The Spanish club’s potential attendance marks a sudden reversal after a two-year boycott of the gala by the record Spanish champions.
Kylian Mbappé Leads Nominations Alongside Three Real Madrid Teammates
Superstar Kylian Mbappé stands among the leading contenders for the Golden Ball following a season marked by heavy scoring. Mbappé secured the top scorer crown in the Spanish league, the Champions League, and at the World Cup, though his team did not capture a major trophy. Three additional Real Madrid players joined him on the nominee list: Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior, and Marc Cucurella.
🚨 After boycotting the last two Ballon d'Or ceremonies, Real Madrid will return for the 2026 edition in London on October 26.Madrid boycotted the 2024 ceremony, while Caroline Weir was the club's only representative in 2025.This time, several nominees are expected to attend,… pic.twitter.com/k40zszGi8c
Strong Competition from Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane
Mbappé faces stiff competition from Barcelona young star Lamine Yamal and Bayern Munich forward Harry Kane for the trophy. Yamal won the World Cup with Spain and captured the league title with Barcelona, while Kane secured a domestic double of the league and cup with Bayern Munich. Kane was involved in 68 goals in 51 club matches during the campaign.
Historical Context of Past Ceremonies and Boycotts
Real Madrid stayed away from the gala throughout 2024 and 2025, years when Rodri and Ousmane Dembélé claimed the awards. If Mbappé wins the prize, it will mark the eleventh Ballon d’Or triumph for a Real Madrid player, trailing only FC Barcelona in total winners. The club has not confirmed whether the upcoming delegation trip directly signals the identity of this year’s winner.
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