Real Madrid News
Dispute between Real Madrid and Ballon d’Or shows no sign of resolution after recent peace attempts
Recent reports from MARCA have affirmed that tensions between Real Madrid and the Ballon d’Or organisers remain unresolved.
After last year’s controversy, in which Vinicius Jr. was widely expected to win the award but Rodri from Manchester City ultimately claimed it, Real Madrid decided to boycott the ceremony entirely.
Last year, no representatives from the club attended as a form of protest, highlighting the club’s dissatisfaction with the process.
No development since
The outlet mentions that all the efforts to bridge the gap have so far failed.
A delegation from France Football recently visited Madrid to discuss the situation ahead of this year’s ceremony.
However, the meetings reportedly did not lead to any agreement, as Real Madrid continue to question the changes in scoring methods and criteria used to determine winners.
The club also points to UEFA’s involvement, which began last season, as a complicating factor.
UEFA’s awards, traditionally presented during the Champions League draw to celebrate the best in European football, now add another layer of tension, given the strained relations between Real Madrid and UEFA.
Ancelotti’s trophy remains unclaimed
The dispute has had direct consequences on the individuals at the club as well. Carlo Ancelotti, who was recognised as one of the world’s best coaches for the 23-24 season, has yet to receive his inaugural Johan Cruyff Award.
As a result, the space that is meant to hold the award in his arsenal remains empty.
As the next Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches this month, all eyes are on whether Real Madrid will choose to participate or continue its protest.
With key figures like Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe in the running, the issue is far from being settled, and the debate over transparency and fairness in football’s top awards continues.
Real Madrid youngster Endrick continues to attract interest from several clubs ahead of another potential loan move in the upcoming January transfer window.
The latest side considering a move for the Brazilian forward is Aston Villa.
Indeed, according to reports relayed by Bernabeu Digital, the Premier League club are interested in signing the Real Madrid striker on loan in January.
No minutes for Endrick
Endrick has had very limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season. Across Real Madrid’s nine matches in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, the Brazilian has played just four minutes, coming on in the 86th minute against Elche.
Such limited playing time has left the young forward struggling to gain the minutes and experience needed to develop his talent at Real Madrid.
As such, another loan move, like last January when he left for Olympique Lyon, could offer him a chance to play more regularly and continue his progression.
Aston Villa, managed by Unai Emery, have now emerged as an interested party to acquire the Brazilian international’s services on loan for the second half of the season.
AC Milan also interested in Endrick
Howver, Aston Villa are not the only club monitoring Endrick’s situation. AC Milan have also renewed their interest in the Brazilian forward.
The Rossoneri already held an interest in the 20-year-old forward during the summer transfer window and are knocking on the doors once again now.
In fact, some reports in Italy even go on to suggest that the youngster is ready to pounce on the opportunity to sign for the Serie A giants.
For now, however, there have been no concrete developments or formal approaches from any interested club.
Real Madrid are understood to be open to allowing Endrick to leave on loan, but they are not considering a permanent sale as they still have a lot of faith in the promising attacker whom they signed from Palmeiras.
With Aston Villa and AC Milan both interested, the coming months could prove important in determining where the young Brazilian will continue his development.
