Real Madrid News
Spanish journalist explains what Real Madrid will do if Kylian Mbappe does not win Ballon d’Or
Real Madrid are expected to attend this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony regardless of whether Kylian Mbappe wins the award, reports journalist Jose Felix Diaz, as per Defensa Central.
The situation is notably different from 2024, when Real Madrid stayed away from the ceremony after learning that Vinicius Jr. would lose the prize to Rodri.
Jose Felix Diaz believes the club’s improved relationship with UEFA means there should be no repeat of that decision this time around.
Real Madrid’s approach is different from 2024
The Spanish journalist drew a direct comparison between the two situations while discussing the possibility of Mbappe missing out on the award.
“The situation is much calmer now. Back in 2024, it seemed like everyone agreed that Vinicius was the winner. All the information, all the news coming to Real Madrid, pointed to Vinicius.
“Nike had planned a party, Vinicius had planned a party, and suddenly it all fell apart. There was no party, no guests, nobody.
“Real Madrid didn’t travel; they were left high and dry, with the plane but no trip,” he recalled.
The circumstances surrounding Mbappe are different. While the Real Madrid forward is among the leading contenders, he does not enter the ceremony with the same expectation that surrounded Vinicius two years ago.
More importantly, Madrid’s relationship with UEFA has changed since then.
Real Madrid and UEFA have moved on
The club’s decision not to attend the 2024 ceremony came during an especially tense period in its relationship with UEFA, with the Super League dispute still hanging over both parties.
That relationship has since improved, and Diaz believes the change will directly influence Real Madrid’s behaviour at this year’s ceremony in London.
“Now they are working hand in hand with UEFA. They have signed an armistice, an agreement in principle regarding the changes made to the Super League.
“Now there is an understanding with UEFA, which, let’s remember, is involved in the awards, and I think there will be no problem with Real Madrid appearing at the gala, which this year is in London, win or lose,” he added.
That would mark a clear departure from 2024 when Real Madrid decided not to attend after receiving a tip-off about Vinicius losing to Rodri.
Mbappe’s situation is therefore being treated separately. Whether he wins or loses in London, Real Madrid are expected to have representatives present.
Real Madrid News
Former Real Madrid manager defends Vinicius following red card vs Villarreal: ‘I don’t see intentionality’
Real Madrid resumed their campaign with a narrow win over Villarreal and three points, but it was yet another controversial affair due to refereeing decisions.
Vinicius Jr thought he had doubled Madrid’s lead against Villarreal, only for the goal to be chalked off and the Brazilian to be sent off in the same breath.
A VAR review showed Vinicius had tugged the hair of Villarreal’s Nathan Saliba in the build-up, prompting referee Isidro Diaz de Mera to void the goal and brandish a straight red.
The decision has split opinion, and one Madrid great has come out firmly in the forward’s corner.
Jorge Valdano on Vinicius’ red
Former real Madrid player and manager Jorge Valdano, speaking to Movistar, saw little malice in the incident.
“It’s an absolutely instinctive gesture. He feels they’re closing him in, he wants to get rid of it, and he does it in the most illegal way he can find,” he said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).
Drawing a distinction with more serious offences, he added: “It would make the difference between what is a spit, for example, and what this is.”
The former World Cup winner was unequivocal in his assessment of the act itself. “I don’t see any intentionality, the dirtyness of the action,” he concluded.
Ominous time for Vinicius
Valdano’s sympathy will do little to console Vinicius Jr., who might be staring at a lengthy suspension after the red card incident.
The Brazilian is already at risk of missing the Clasico on October 25, with the final disciplinary ruling still to come.
The referee’s report logs two separate matters. The first is the hair pull itself; the second is his reaction, described as continued loud protests and an aggressive approach to the official that forced Federico Valverde, Antonio Rudiger and others to restrain him.
Depending on how that conduct is classified, the suspension could stretch to two, three or four games. The one reprieve is that the red card is domestic, leaving Vinicius free for Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Roma.
