In one of the most dramatic gestures in Eurovision history, Nemo — the Swiss artist who won the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmo — has returned their winner's trophy to the European Broadcasting Union in protest at Israel's continued participation in the contest.
"This Trophy No Longer Belongs on My Shelf"
In an emotional Instagram video, Nemo held up the iconic glass microphone trophy and delivered a statement that has reverberated across the Eurovision community and far beyond:
"Today I no longer feel like this trophy belongs on my shelf. Eurovision says it stands for unity, for inclusion, and dignity for all people. But Israel's participation shows those ideals are at odds with the organisers' decisions."
The video quickly went viral, accumulating millions of views within hours and sparking intense debate across social media. Nemo's decision to return the trophy — the most coveted prize in the Eurovision world — is a gesture of extraordinary symbolic weight. No previous winner had ever voluntarily returned their trophy to the EBU.
Nemo won Eurovision 2024 with 'The Code', a genre-defying performance that combined rap, opera, and pop in a celebration of non-binary identity. The victory was historic on multiple levels, and the trophy represented not just personal achievement but a milestone for representation in one of the world's largest music competitions.
Did the Trophy Shatter?
Reports have emerged suggesting that the glass microphone trophy was damaged or shattered during transit back to the EBU headquarters in Geneva. The circumstances remain unclear, with some outlets suggesting the trophy was not adequately protected during shipping, while others have speculated about the manner in which it was returned.
When asked about the condition of the trophy, the EBU released a carefully worded statement: "We regret that Nemo chose to return the trophy that was rightfully and deservedly won in 2024." The statement notably did not address the trophy's physical condition, fuelling further speculation.
Whether the shattering was accidental or deliberate, the image of a broken Eurovision trophy has become a powerful metaphor for the divisions currently running through the contest.
Charlie McGettigan Pledges to Return His Trophy Too
Nemo is not alone. Charlie McGettigan, who won Eurovision 1994 for Ireland alongside Paul Harrington with 'Rock 'n' Roll Kids', has stated that he will also return his trophy to the EBU in solidarity with the boycotting countries.
McGettigan's pledge adds historical weight to the protest. As a winner from over three decades ago, his involvement signals that the discontent over Israel's participation extends well beyond current artists and into the broader Eurovision family.
Ireland is one of the five countries boycotting Eurovision 2026, alongside Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain. McGettigan's gesture amplifies Ireland's position and underscores the depth of feeling within the Irish Eurovision community.
The Broader Boycott Context
Nemo's trophy return is part of the largest wave of protest in Eurovision history. The five boycotting countries have reduced the 2026 field to 35 participants, the smallest number since 2003. The boycott has been described by multiple media outlets as the biggest crisis in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The boycotting countries have cited two primary concerns:
- Israel's inclusion in the context of the ongoing conflict in Gaza
- Government interference — the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed running advertising campaigns to boost public votes for Israel's entries in 2024 and 2025, where Israel placed 5th and 2nd respectively
Italy's USB union at state broadcaster RAI has also launched a petition calling for Italy to boycott, though RAI has confirmed Italy will participate.
The EBU's Position
The EBU has maintained that Eurovision is a non-political event and that all EBU member broadcasters in good standing are entitled to participate. The organisation has pointed to its reference group's decision-making process and the contest's rules, which focus on broadcasting membership rather than the political positions of participating countries' governments.
However, the EBU's position has come under sustained pressure. The combination of country withdrawals, winner trophy returns, and widespread fan debate has created an unprecedented situation for an organisation that has traditionally managed to keep political controversies at arm's length.
What This Means for Eurovision 2026
Despite the turmoil, Eurovision 2026 in Vienna is proceeding as planned. All tickets have sold out across all nine shows, the venue build at the Wiener Stadthalle is underway, and 35 countries will compete across two semi-finals and a Grand Final in May.
The betting markets have largely priced in the boycott effect. With five fewer countries competing, the field is slightly less competitive, but the remaining 35 entries include some of the strongest songs in recent Eurovision memory. Finland leads the betting at Betfred, with France, Denmark, and Greece all in strong contention.
Whether Nemo's trophy return will have any lasting impact on the EBU's approach to future contests remains to be seen. What is clear is that Eurovision 2026 will be remembered not just for the music but for the most significant political controversy in the contest's seven-decade history.
For the latest Eurovision 2026 odds and all available markets, visit Betfred.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nemo return their Eurovision trophy?
Nemo returned their 2024 glass microphone trophy to the EBU in December 2025 in protest at Israel's continued participation in Eurovision 2026.
Did the Eurovision trophy actually shatter?
Reports suggest the glass microphone was damaged in transit to Geneva. The EBU has not publicly confirmed the trophy's condition.
Who else has pledged to return their Eurovision trophy?
Charlie McGettigan, Ireland's 1994 co-winner of 'Rock 'n' Roll Kids', has stated he will also return his trophy in solidarity.