Xabi Alonso Dodges Ballon d'Or Talk, Keeps Eyes on Levante Clash

Alonso’s stance on the Ballon d'Or

During a routine press conference, Real Madrid’s head coach Xabi Alonso was asked which players might win the 2025 Ballon d'Or. He didn’t name anyone. Instead, he calmly said his job is about the team, not about who gets a shiny trophy. "I see a lot of football, but it’s not my issue," he told reporters, adding that he isn’t on the jury and has no vote to cast.

Alonso’s answer was polite but firm. He acknowledged the award’s prestige but quickly shifted the conversation back to the club’s immediate concerns. “We’ll see after the gala who the winner is, but I’m thinking more about Levante,” he said, making it clear his mind is on the next match, not on individual accolades.

Such a response fits with how Alonso has conducted himself since taking over at the Bernabéu. The former midfielder, who won the Ballon d'Or as a player in 2005, now prefers to let his players earn the spotlight on the pitch. By refusing to weigh in on the award, he avoids fueling rumors or adding pressure on any of his stars.

What it means for Real Madrid

The coach’s deflection sends a clear message to the squad: collective goals trump personal glory. In a club that has a history of producing Ballon d'Or winners, this approach can keep the locker room focused on the season’s objectives—winning La Liga, the Champions League, and every domestic cup in sight.

Alonso also used the moment to remind the media that the team’s next challenge is against Levante, a side that has proven tricky at times. By directing attention to the upcoming fixture, he underscores a tactical priority: preparing the squad for the specific threats Levante will pose, rather than getting lost in speculation about individual awards.

This philosophy mirrors the trend among top European coaches who view award chatter as a distraction. Pep Guardiola, Jürgen Klopp, and other big‑name managers often sidestep Ballon d'Or talk, preferring to keep the spotlight on their clubs’ performance. Alonso’s brief interview places him firmly in that camp.

Fans and pundits have already started debating who might lift the trophy—players like Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić, or rising stars from other leagues. Yet Alonso’s quiet refusal to join that conversation may actually amplify his credibility. It shows he trusts his players to let their game speak for itself, and it signals that any personal accolades will be a bonus, not a goal.

In the weeks ahead, Real Madrid will face a packed schedule that includes the Levante match, a crucial Champions League tie, and a domestic title race that never seems to slow down. Alonso’s focus on these concrete tasks suggests that the club’s strategy will remain rooted in teamwork, disciplined tactics, and a relentless pursuit of trophies.

Only time will tell if any Real Madrid player ends up with the coveted Ballon d'Or, but for now, the coach’s message is crystal clear: the club’s success comes first, and the award can wait.