Kylian Mbappé Claims Ballon d’Or 2025 Amid Real Madrid Boycott

Mbappé Rises Above Controversy to Lift Football’s Greatest Prize

In the luminous heart of Paris, beneath the gilded chandeliers of the Théâtre du Châtelet, the world’s footballing elite assembled once more for the Ballon d’Or 2025. But this year’s ceremony pulsed with an undercurrent of tension that transcended mere sporting rivalry. On a night designed to celebrate the very best of the beautiful game, the absence of Real Madrid’s top stars and staff was impossible to ignore—an echo of the club’s simmering feud with football’s power brokers, and a stark reminder that politics and sport are forever entwined.

Yet, for Kylian Mbappé, the spotlight could not be dimmed. The French forward—now donning the white of Real Madrid, but still very much a Parisian in spirit—stood tall as the world’s best player, crowned with his first Ballon d’Or after a season that saw him dazzle on both domestic and European stages. For the fans, it was a moment of vindication. For Mbappé, it was a dream realized, forged in the crucible of relentless competition and heightened by the drama swirling around his club.

Behind the Scenes: Real Madrid’s Boycott and the Power Struggle

The Ballon d’Or is more than just a trophy—it’s an annual stage for football’s most coveted individual honor, a recognition of brilliance that players across generations have chased. But for Real Madrid, once synonymous with Ballon d’Or glamour, the event has become a battleground. As reported by The Athletic, club president Florentino Perez’s decision to boycott the ceremony for a second year in a row sent shockwaves through the sport. With seven nominated players—including Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Junior, and Mbappé himself—the Spanish giants were expected to be front and center.

Instead, Perez’s iron grip on club policy led to a conspicuous silence. No congratulatory posts. No interviews. Not even a mention of the nominees on official Real Madrid channels. The boycott, rooted in grievances with UEFA and France Football, organizers of the prize, was interpreted by many as a PR own-goal—a move that left sponsors frustrated and staff bewildered. Some inside the club, speaking anonymously to The Athletic, described a siege mentality, a sense that Madrid was waging war against perceived enemies on all sides.

The drama was compounded by last year’s last-minute withdrawal, when Real Madrid learned that none of their nominees would take home the top men’s prize—a decision that left coach Carlo Ancelotti unable to accept his own trophy in person. This year, the club’s absence was no less pronounced, with the boycott extending even to the women’s and youth categories.

The Road to Glory: Mbappé’s Season of Triumph

Amid the politics, Mbappé’s football did the talking. After a blockbuster transfer from PSG to Real Madrid, the French striker adapted seamlessly, scoring crucial goals in La Liga and leading his club to the Champions League final. His explosive pace, clinical finishing, and tactical intelligence set him apart, even as Madrid’s team struggled with consistency and off-field distractions.

The Ballon d’Or jury—comprised of 100 independent journalists from around the globe—focused solely on performances from the 2024/25 season. Mbappé’s numbers were staggering: top scorer in La Liga, decisive in big matches, and a leader both on and off the pitch. His rivals included Mohamed Salah, whose goals powered Liverpool to a Premier League title, and Vinícius Junior, whose flair lit up Madrid’s attack. Yet it was Mbappé who captured the imagination of voters, his blend of star power and substance proving irresistible.

As beIN SPORTS noted, the Ballon d’Or trophy itself carries no direct financial reward—its value estimated at $3,500, a modest sum compared to the multimillion-dollar endorsements and bonuses that follow. But for Mbappé, the prestige and global recognition are worth far more. Sponsors line up, market value soars, and his legacy is cemented among the pantheon of football’s greats.

Women’s Game Shines: Bonmatí Retains Her Crown

On the women’s side, the ceremony celebrated Spain’s Aitana Bonmatí, who retained her Ballon d’Or after another dominant season with Barcelona. Bonmatí’s technical brilliance and leadership had powered her club to Champions League glory, while Lionesses stars Leah Williamson and Alessia Russo also earned recognition after Arsenal’s European triumph. For the first time, the awards were fully equal, with new categories for women’s best young player and goalkeeper, reflecting the game’s rapidly growing stature.

Linda Caicedo, Real Madrid’s Colombian prodigy, was among the nominees for the inaugural women’s Kopa Trophy, a nod to football’s future. The ceremony also spotlighted humanitarian work, with the Socrates award honoring players making a difference beyond the pitch.

The Ceremony: Glitz, Glamour, and Global Reach

Hosted by Kate Scott and Ruud Gullit, the Ballon d’Or 2025 ceremony was broadcast to millions via L’Équipe‘s YouTube channel and Sony Sports Network. The event marked a turning point—not just for the winners, but for football’s ongoing struggle between tradition and change, star power and club politics. PSG celebrated multiple nominees after their Champions League triumph, while Liverpool’s resurgence was reflected in Salah and Van Dijk’s shortlisting.

For Real Madrid, the boycott raised questions about the cost of isolation. The club’s revenues remain the highest in world football, but the image battles—against referees, rival clubs, and football’s governing bodies—risk alienating the very fans and players who make Madrid a global brand. As one agent told The Athletic, “You can’t always be fighting against everyone.”

In the end, the Ballon d’Or remains the ultimate individual accolade—one that transcends politics, drama, and even club loyalty. For Kylian Mbappé, the journey to the top was not just about goals and trophies, but about rising above the noise and proving, once and for all, that greatness is forged in the face of adversity.

Mbappé’s triumph in 2025 is more than a personal milestone—it’s a testament to resilience in a sport where off-field intrigue increasingly shapes the narrative. As football evolves, the Ballon d’Or stands as a beacon: not just of skill, but of character, and the ability to shine when the world is watching.