Trent Alexander-Arnold plan suffers major blow as Real Madrid risks Ballon d'Or relationship

Real Madrid has made its feelings clear on the Ballon d'Or after refusing to attend Monday's ceremony, handing .

Two Madrid stars were in contention to win the Ballon d'Or this year, with Vinicius Jr. and among the leading candidates to be crowned Best Men's Player for 2024. However, was informed that neither player would win the award and that 's Rodri would be given the ultimate honor, according to reports in Paris, where the ceremony is held.

In response, Madrid decided not to bother traveling to Paris with Vinicius Jr. and Bellingham told to remain at home. Club president Florentino Perez and head coach Carlo Ancelotti also snubbed the ceremony, and the club has faced criticism for showing a lack of respect.

Madrid's stance could lead to a difficult relationship with the Ballon d'Or moving forward, just days after expressed his desire to win the award. Alexander-Arnold is out of contract at the end of the 2024-25 season and could leave Liverpool next summer, with Madrid his likely destination.

Alexander-Arnold has already won everything achievable with Liverpool, and the 26-year-old is facing a major career decision. The full-back could re-sign with Liverpool and instantly be considered a legend, or leave to pursue personal interests elsewhere.

The defender could follow the likes of Steve McManaman and Michael Owen in coming through the Liverpool academy before moving to Madrid, and a departure appears increasingly likely. Alexander-Arnold recently announced that he wants to become the first full-back in history to win the Ballon d'Or and would prefer to win the award over lifting the World Cup with England.

"I believe I can," Alexander-Arnold, told . "I want to be the first full-back to ever do it. It's only the morning after you retire that you're able to look in the mirror and say, 'I gave it everything I got'. It doesn't matter how many trophies you win, or how many medals you've got. It matters what you give to the game and if you reach your full potential."

With Alexander-Arnold yet to sign an extension at Liverpool, it could suggest that the defender feels as though he must join Madrid in order to reach his full potential. Alexander-Arnold is keen to leave a legacy and wants to be remembered as a pioneer when he retires from the sport.

"A legend of football, someone who changed the game," Alexander-Arnold said when being asked how he wants to be remembered in soccer. "That is the main thing that I have - 'don't play the game; change the game'. I want that legacy of being the greatest right-back to have played football. I have got to reach for the stars and that's where I believe my ceiling can go."

Alexander-Arnold's comments have led to major concerns among Liverpool fans, with his ambitions aligning with a move to Madrid over staying in England. That being said, not even Madrid legend Roberto Carlos was able to win the Ballon d'Or due to other stars at the club.

Carlos came second in the 2002 voting after winning the World Cup with Brazil, as he was beaten to first place by club and international teammate Ronaldo Nazario. Even if Alexander-Arnold was successful at Madrid, he'd be competing with teammates such as Kylian Mbappe, Bellingham, and Vinicius for the ultimate individual honor.