On Monday, Manchester City midfielder Rodri won the men’s Ballon d’Or. He achieved this honor after an impressive season. Rodri led Spain to victory in Euro 2024. He also helped City claim a fourth consecutive Premier League title. Many expected Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior to win the award. Vinicius had a remarkable season, securing La Liga and the Champions League. In response to Vinicius’s exclusion, Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony in protest.
Rodri, now 28, has become a crucial player for City. Last season, he delivered critical performances. He secured City’s championship defense and overcame a strong challenge from Arsenal. Internationally, he excelled and won Player of the Tournament. He led Spain to an unexpected Euro 2024 victory. When asked about Real Madrid’s absence, Rodri focused on his team. He stated, “They have their decision… I only think about my squad and my club.”
The event organizers emphasized the confidentiality of the winner’s name. However, rumors of leaks surfaced before the ceremony. Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain won the Nations League. She led her team to an unprecedented quadruple. This achievement earned her a second consecutive women’s Ballon d’Or.
Real Madrid’s frustration with the Ballon d’Or selection criteria was evident. The club announced that if Vinicius wasn’t recognized, then his teammate Dani Carvajal deserved the award. Despite his impressive season, where he scored 24 goals and had 11 assists across competitions, Vinicius missed out on the award. Real Madrid expressed its disappointment, stating, “Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
A jury of 100 international sports journalists selects the Ballon d’Or winner annually. The Amaury group, which organizes the award, denied rumors of a pre-announced winner. However, Real Madrid’s absence was evident, especially when they were named Team of the Year and a tribute film played without any club representative present.
City manager Pep Guardiola praised Rodri, calling him “the best in his position.” Rodri’s solid performance has established his reputation as one of football’s best midfielders. His role in City’s first Champions League win in 2023 further cements his value to both his club and country.
