Real Madrid acknowledge Ballon d’Or nominees following previous boycott

Real Madrid resumed official communication regarding the Ballon d’Or by acknowledging the 2026 shortlist on club platforms. The team identified Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Marc Cucurella as candidates for the award. This action marks a departure from the club's stance in 2024, when it ignored the nomination process and ceremony following the loss of Vinicius Jr. to Rodri. At that time, Real Madrid officials expressed significant dissatisfaction with the voting outcome, describing the award as non-existent and canceling planned television coverage. The current acknowledgment suggests the club has moved past the dispute regarding the previous selection process. The 30 nominees were selected based on individual performances during the 2025/26 season.

• 5:25 PMYahoo Sports — Real Madrid end their Ballon d’Or silence