Double Disappointment for Real Madrid: Mbappé’s Struggles and the Ballon d’Or Award

Real Madrid’s recent performances have been marred by a wave of disappointment, notably highlighted by Kylian Mbappé’s struggles in his El Clásico debut and the club’s perceived injustice regarding the Ballon d’Or Award.

On October 26, 2024, Mbappé faced a challenging introduction to one of football’s most storied rivalries against Barcelona. The match ended in a staggering 4-0 defeat for Real Madrid, with Mbappé’s individual performance drawing significant scrutiny.

Throughout the game, he was caught offside eight times, tying a record for the most offsides by a player in a La Liga match since 2009. This statistic underscored his difficulties in timing and positioning against Barcelona’s high defensive line, expertly managed by coach Hansi Flick.

Despite taking three shots—each on target—he failed to convert any into goals, with two potential strikes ruled out due to offside calls. After the match, manager Carlo Ancelotti emphasized the need for Mbappé to refine his precision in front of goal, as media reports described his debut as “disastrous.”

As if this setback wasn’t enough, Real Madrid also faced another monumental disappointment regarding the Ballon d’Or Award. The club expressed profound anger and frustration over what they viewed as an injustice that rendered the award meaningless. Following rumors that Vinicius Jr. would not be honored with the prestigious trophy, Madrid decided to cancel a special five-hour programming event on RMTV dedicated to the Ballon d’Or Award.

The sentiment among players and management was clear: “The Ballon d’Or Award does not exist.” The decision not to travel to Paris for the ceremony further exemplified the club’s discontent.

Until just days prior, there was widespread belief within the organization that Vinicius would emerge victorious. An expedition of 50 people, led by club president Florentino Pérez, had prepared for what they assumed would be a celebratory event.

In light of these developments, Real Madrid’s focus has shifted to immediate competition. Ancelotti has urged his squad to concentrate on their day-to-day activities and upcoming matches, particularly after their recent loss to Barcelona.

The club is now left grappling with how to navigate these dual disappointments as they seek redemption on the pitch and reestablish their status in La Liga. As Kylian Mbappé adjusts to life at Real Madrid amidst these challenges, all eyes will be on how he responds in future fixtures and whether he can help lift his team out of this turbulent period.

Impact on the Ballon d’Or Organization

The absence of Real Madrid from the Ballon d’Or Award ceremony has significantly altered the event’s atmosphere. With several nominees from the club, including potential favorites for the prestigious award, the gala may lack some of its anticipated excitement and star power. The decision not to attend reflects deeper concerns within the club about the award criteria and selection process. If clubs feel their players are not being fairly recognized, it could spark broader discussions about reforming how winners are determined.

Moreover, the media coverage surrounding the event is likely to be dominated by Real Madrid’s withdrawal, overshadowing the achievements of other players and nominees. This absence could lead to increased scrutiny on how awards are assessed and who ultimately gets recognized. The situation raises questions about the integrity of such prestigious honors and whether they truly reflect player performance and contributions to their teams.

Real Madrid’s decision not to attend highlights their dissatisfaction with how Vinícius Júnior, a leading contender for the award after a stellar season, was overlooked. With this backdrop, the Ballon d’Or Award ceremony will proceed, but without the presence of one of football’s most storied clubs, leaving a noticeable void in both attendance and spirit. As fans and analysts reflect on these developments, all eyes will be on how this impacts future award selections and the relationships between clubs and award organizations.