Mbappé leads Real Madrid delegation to London for the Ballon d’Or

Kylian Mbappé is leading Real Madrid’s delegation in London for the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The group has five members, with international relations director Emilio Butragueño serving as the club’s senior institutional representative. President Florentino Pérez had been discussed as a possible attendee, but is not among the announced representatives.

Mbappé is one of the three leading contenders for the award, alongside Lamine Yamal and Harry Kane. Butragueño is joined by Felicia Schröder, Marc Cucurella, Yan Diomande and Mbappé; every member of the delegation is nominated. The group is expected to spend a few hours at the Marriott in London before going to the Palladium Theatre. The winner is still unknown.

The club’s presence marks its return to the ceremony after two years away; Real Madrid was also unrepresented in 2025. In 2024, it cancelled its trip to Paris at the last minute after learning that Vinicius Junior, considered that year’s leading favourite, would not receive the award. Real Madrid believed its dispute with UEFA over the Super League had influenced the decision, which saw Rodri crowned.

The dispute has since been brought to an end: in February, a statement announced the conclusion of the legal conflict between Real Madrid, UEFA and EFC, or European Football Clubs. The Super League project had been central to the disagreement. The agreement was presented as beneficial to all parties, while UEFA emphasised the club’s importance to European and global football. The improved relationship with UEFA, which co-organises the award with France Football, accompanies Real Madrid’s return to the ceremony. In late September, Anas Laghrari, a close associate of Florentino Pérez, attended a clubs’ meeting, helping pave the way for Real Madrid’s return to that forum.

The ceremony also follows a significant night for Mbappé: the previous evening, his brace in the Clásico gave Real Madrid the victory. His first goal, which followed a poor clearance by Gerard Martín, was his 99th for the club. That momentum does not settle the Ballon d’Or question, however. An analysis published ahead of the ceremony described Harry Kane as the leading favourite and suggested Pérez’s absence might signal that Mbappé would not win. That remains an assessment; the result is not yet known.