Ballon d’Or winner Rodri reacted to former Real Madrid forward’s comment that he didn’t deserve the award but instead shoulf have been given to Vini jr.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s questioning his Ballon d’Or victory ahead of Madrid star Vini jr.. Speaking to the media, the 28-year-old defended the legitimacy of the award and expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s comments.
The Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo stated recently that Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior deserved the honor more, he further stated that the Brazilian forward’s Champions League heroics and decisive goal in the final was more than enough to hand him the award. Real Madrid even boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October after Rodri was crowned the winner over Vinícius.
Asked about Ronaldo’s comments, Rodri told Diario AS: “A surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen.
“This year the journalists who vote have considered that I should win it. Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win, and I imagine that then he would agree.”
Rodri’s victory capped an extraordinary year for the midfielder. He played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s treble-winning campaign, securing the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League. Additionally, he lifted the UEFA European Championship trophy with Spain, further solidifying his case as the world’s best.
Vinícius, despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, had a stellar season of his own, helping Real Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double. His individual brilliance earned him the FIFA The Best Men’s Player award and Globe Soccer’s Best Men’s Player prize in December.
Reflecting on his monumental year, Rodri acknowledged how his life has changed since receiving football’s highest individual honor.
“It has changed my life,” he said. “Many things that I could do before, obviously, I can no longer do. But hey, it is for a good reason … I have the philosophy that in life you have to take things as they are given to you.
“There is no need to complain when things are not the way you want or go crazy when you win a Ballon d’Or. God has given me what he has given me and I am extremely grateful. I have to deal with everything, including injuries, and move forward.”
Rodri’s victory has sparked up talks in the footballing world, but his commitment to excellence and his team’s success remains undisputed. For Rodri, the Ballon d’Or is not just an award but a testament to the collective and individual achievements of an unforgettable season.
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