Xabi Alonso Dismisses Ballon d'Or Talk, Focuses on Levante Ahead of Real Madrid's Absence

Alonso's Comments on the Ballon d'Or

During a routine press conference, Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso was asked why the club didn’t attend the 2025 Ballon d'Or gala. Instead of offering a diplomatic answer, he cut straight to the chase: the award isn’t his business. "I’m not on the jury, I don’t vote," he said, adding that he prefers to watch football on the pitch, not at a ceremony.

When reporters pressed for his opinion on who might take home the trophy, Alonso shrugged it off. "We’ll see after the gala who is the galardonnado," he joked, but quickly returned to his main point – the focus should stay on the team’s immediate challenges. His tone was calm, almost indifferent, which many interpreted as a deliberate move to keep the spotlight on collective performance rather than individual accolades.

Alonso’s stance isn’t just a personal quirk. It mirrors a broader trend among top coaches who treat award hype as a distraction. By refusing to weigh in, he avoids fueling media speculation that could unsettle his squad. It also sends a clear message to the players: their work is judged on the field, not by a voting panel in Paris.

What It Means for Real Madrid’s Upcoming Fixtures

The coach didn’t stop at the Ballon d'Or. He pivoted to talk about the next match on the calendar – a crucial game against Levante. "I’m thinking more about Levante," Alonso remarked, underscoring that preparation for that fixture outweighs any fanfare surrounding awards.

Real Madrid’s schedule is packed. After the Levante clash, they face a string of league opponents and a looming Champions League knockout round. In Alonso’s view, every training session, tactical tweak, and player rotation matters far more than a night of glitter and speeches.

Players have taken his words in stride. Midfielder Luka Modrić, when asked about the Ballon d'Or, laughed and said the team’s chemistry is the real prize. Forward Karim Benzema echoed the sentiment, noting that personal awards are nice but don’t replace a winning streak.

Analysts are already linking Alonso’s pragmatic approach to Real Madrid’s recent form. Since taking over, he’s emphasized a “match‑by‑match” philosophy, refusing to get sidetracked by external narratives. This mindset appears to be paying off: the club sits near the top of La Liga, and the squad’s morale seems high.

Critics argue that skipping the ceremony might alienate fans who love the glamour of football’s biggest night. However, Alonso’s reply suggests he’s more interested in long‑term success than short‑term buzz. By staying grounded, he hopes to keep the team focused on the grind that actually decides titles.

In short, the Ballon d'Or may have its own drama, but for Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid, the real story is happening on the training ground and on the pitch, especially as they gear up for Levante and the challenges that follow.