Real Madrid prepare significant London turnout as Ballon d’Or contenders await results

Real Madrid are set to send a senior delegation to the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London on Monday, in a notable change from the club’s absence or limited representation at the previous two editions.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, several of the club’s nominated players are expected to travel to the British capital for the event. The decision has prompted interest over whether Real Madrid’s presence reflects confidence in the chances of one of its nominees, particularly Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe is shortlisted alongside team-mates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Junior, while Marc Cucurella is also among the contenders for the main award. Mbappe scored in Real Madrid’s 4-1 Champions League victory against Leipzig on Wednesday.

However, the size of the delegation does not confirm that the France forward will win the prize. L’Equipe has not reported any information identifying the winner before the official announcement, and the attendance of nominated players cannot be taken as evidence that the award has already been decided.

A change from the previous two ceremonies

Real Madrid withdrew from the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the last moment after it became clear Vinicius Junior would not receive the award. The prize instead went to Spanish midfielder Rodri.

The club’s involvement was also extremely limited at the 2025 ceremony, when Caroline Weri was reportedly the only Real Madrid representative to attend, according to L’Equipe.

This year’s planned turnout would therefore mark a more visible return to the event after two years of tension and limited participation. Several of the club’s nominees are preparing to make the journey to London, bringing Real Madrid back into the centre of the ceremony.

The timing of the event adds another demanding element to the club’s schedule. The Ballon d’Or ceremony will take place the day after Real Madrid face Barcelona in the Clasico on Sunday evening, meaning the club will be involved in two major occasions on successive days.

Alongside the four candidates for the main award, Thibaut Courtois is nominated for the best goalkeeper prize. Yaim Diomande is in contention for the best young player award, while Felicia Schroder is nominated for the equivalent best young player award in the women’s category.

Real Madrid’s decision to attend has increased interest in Mbappe’s prospects, but the outcome will remain uncertain until the official announcement in London. Presence at the ceremony alone does not establish that the French forward will claim the Ballon d’Or.