AFCON 2025
Former France manager Raymond Domenech has labeled Real Madrid a “small club” after they skipped the Ballon d’Or gala in Paris.
The La Liga champions were upset when Vinicius Jr lost the award to Rodri, and in a show of solidarity, they boycotted the event altogether.
However, Domenech and several football legends have condemned Real Madrid’s decision, calling it disrespectful.
“Real is said, and Real itself wants to be said, that it is a big club,” Domenech told (link unavailable) “Meanwhile, it turned out that it is a small club. Very small!”
Domenech didn’t hold back, criticizing Real Madrid’s actions.
“What Real did is absolutely pathetic,” he said. “They showed a lack of respect for football, for the other participants in the gala, for the winners.”
Vinicius Jr was considered a strong contender for the award but ultimately finished second to Rodri. Real Madrid’s snub sparked debate, with many questioning their decision to prioritize loyalty over sportsmanship.
Domenech’s comments echo those of other football legends, who believe Real Madrid’s actions undermined the prestige of the Ballon d’Or.
While the club’s intentions may have been to support Vinicius Jr, their actions have been perceived as petty and disrespectful, especially to a Spanish international like Rodri, who helped deliver the Euros.
As Domenech put it, “It’s not the behavior you’d expect from a club of Real Madrid’s stature.”
