Barcelona Mocks Real Madrid Over Ballon d'Or Boycott as Lamine Yamal Wins Kopa Trophy
In stark contrast, several Barcelona players made their presence felt at the event. Among them were Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, both nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which ultimately went to Yamal for his impressive performances for both club and country.
Barcelona Takes a Jab at Rivals
Barcelona wasted no time in poking fun at Real Madrid following the latter's decision to boycott the Ballon d'Or ceremony. This boycott came after Vinicius Junior, who was widely considered a favorite for the award, ultimately lost out to Manchester City's Rodri.
What Led to the Boycott?
Vinicius Junior had been a standout performer for Real Madrid, helping the club secure both La Liga and Champions League titles during the 2023-24 season. However, upon hearing that Rodri would receive the prestigious Ballon d'Or, Real Madrid opted to skip the ceremony in Paris, deciding against attending at the last minute.
Barcelona Players Shine at the Ceremony
In stark contrast, several Barcelona players made their presence felt at the event. Among them were Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, both nominated for the Kopa Trophy, which ultimately went to Yamal for his impressive performances for both club and country. Yamal's achievements even earned him a spot in the top ten for the Ballon d'Or nominations.
Barcelona's Social Media Response
Barcelona's social media team took the opportunity to mock their rivals’ absence, expressing gratitude for the warm welcome they received at the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Responding to an official post from the Ballon d'Or account featuring the Barcelona men's and women's teams entering the gala, the club tweeted: "We are truly honoured to be here. Thank you, Ballon d'Or, for such a warm and gracious welcome."
What’s Next for Barcelona?
With the ceremony behind them, the Barcelona players will return home to celebrate Lamine Yamal's Kopa Trophy victory. The young star is expected to present his award during their upcoming match against Espanyol on Sunday, November 3. This win not only highlights Yamal's talent but also serves as a moment of pride for Barcelona, particularly in light of their rivals' recent turmoil.
Barcelona's lighthearted jibe at Real Madrid emphasizes the competitive spirit that defines their rivalry, while also celebrating their own successes in the football world.
