Nemo to return their Eurovision 2024 winners trophy to the EBU.
The winner of Eurovision 2024, Nemo, has decided to return their winners trophy due to the ongoing participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest.
Speaking out on social media, Nemo released a statement in which they said that they no longer felt the trophy belongs on their shelf, with the decision to allow Israel to contunue to participate in Eurovision, and decisions made by the EBU as their main reasons for sending it back.
In response to Nemo returning their Eurovision 2024 trophy, the Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Green, has spoken to the BBC, in which he said: “We’re saddened that Nemo wishes to return their trophy which they deservedly won in 2024. We respect the deeply held views Nemo has expressed and they will always remain a valued part of the Eurovision family.”
In light of Nemo making the decision to return their Eurovision trophy, Eurovision 1994 winner Charlie McGettigan has also decided to return his Eurovision trophy, provided he can find it first that is. In a video posted to social media, Charlie McGettigan, who bought Ireland their sixth Eurovision win in 1994 alongside Paul Harrington, announced that he would also be returning his Eurovision trophy.
“…Well last night, just before I went to sleep, I received an Instagram message from the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest winner, someone called Nemo. They were saying that in protest against the inclusion of Israel in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, they are returning their trophy to the European Broadcasting Union. They came across as sincere and a very intelligent person and stated their case very well, and therefore, in support Nemo, would like to return my trophy to the EBU as well. Unfortunately our win was in 1994 and I can’t lay my hands on whatever trophy we received back then, but if I do find it I will return my trophy as well. Thanks for listening.”
At the general assembly meeting on December 4th 2025, it was confirmed that Israel would be participating in Eurovision 2026. As a result of this decision, Ireland (RTÉ), Slovenia (RTVSLO), Spain (RTVE) and The Netherlands (AVROTROS) all confirmed that they will not be participating in Eurovision 2026, with Iceland (RÚV) confirming their withdrawal on Wednesday 10th December 2025.
At the present time, there are expected to be 35 countries participating in Eurovision 2026, which is the lowest number of participating countries since 2003, which saw 26 countries competing, and the lowest number of participating countries since the introduction of the semi final in 2004, where 36 countries competed.
What are your thoughts on Nemo and Charlie McGettigan deciding to return their Eurovision trophies? Do you think any more Eurovision winners will decide to also return their trophies? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Photo credits: Alma Bengtsson / EBU & Nemo’s official social media
