Ballon d'Or 2025: Laporta responds to Real Madrid's absence! | OneFootball

Ballon d'Or ceremony: Laporta comments on Real Madrid's absence

Laporta / @x.com/BarcaNewsFRA

For the second consecutive year, Real Madrid has chosen not to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony, despite having three of its stars—Vinícius Júnior, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham—among the 30 nominees for this edition.This decision follows the club's stance at last year's event, when the Madrid delegation withdrew after learning that the award would go to Rodri instead of Vinícius Júnior, sparking heated controversy.

In contrast, FC Barcelona was represented by its president Joan Laporta and its nominees. In an interview with radio station "RAC1," Laporta stated:"They can do what they want. We focus on Barça. Out of respect for the nominees, the winners, and the organization, we attend the ceremony. In sport, you need to know how to win and how to lose. Fortunately, we win often and lose rarely."Laporta also addressed his young talent Lamine Yamal, after his defeat to Frenchman Ousmane Dembélé at the Ballon d'Or, viewing this setback as a driving force for improvement. He celebrated Yamal's second consecutive Kopa Trophy and Aitana's triumph as the best female player.He added: "We need to win the Champions League; that gives players extra motivation to pursue individual awards. I am proud of my players and pleased with Hans Flick's arrival to the squad."The Barcelona president concluded: "For me, Lamine Yamal is the best player in the world, and I'm convinced he will win the Ballon d'Or in the future."