Rodri Speaks Out: “I Can’t Respect Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Boycott”
Manchester City’s midfield maestro, Rodri, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. But his latest comments about Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony have sent shockwaves through the soccer world. The Spanish international, who clinched the prestigious award this year, made it clear that he doesn’t agree with Madrid’s actions, calling their absence from the event something he “cannot respect.”
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win capped off a phenomenal year for the 27-year-old. He played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s Premier League triumph and was instrumental in Spain’s European Championship victory. Yet, instead of celebrating his achievement, the spotlight has shifted to the controversy surrounding Real Madrid’s no-show at the ceremony in Paris.
Madrid’s Boycott: A Bold Statement or Poor Sportsmanship?
Rodri’s stiffest competition for the Ballon d’Or was none other than Vinícius Júnior, who had an incredible season of his own. The Brazilian winger helped Real Madrid secure a LaLiga and Champions League double, making him a top contender for the award. However, when it became clear that Vinícius would not be taking home the trophy, he, along with the rest of the Madrid squad and club executives, opted to skip the ceremony entirely.
“Well, it’s a decision of individuals or clubs in general to decide what to do. I cannot respect the decision, I always said I wouldn’t do it in the same way,” Rodri said during an appearance on “The Rest is Football” podcast. He went on to explain why he believes attending the ceremony is about more than just winning.
“I remember last year that maybe Erling [Haaland] was close to winning it. I wanted to be there with him to support with all the club, and even though Leo [Lionel Messi] won it, we were there clapping him because Ballon d’Or is a recognition not for a player, it’s for a year, for a level of a guy for a whole year.”
Real Madrid’s Silent Night in Paris
Real Madrid’s absence from the Ballon d’Or ceremony was glaring. Despite being honored as the men’s team of the year and seeing their manager, Carlo Ancelotti, named coach of the year, no representatives from the club were present to accept the awards. It was a move that left many fans and pundits scratching their heads.
Rodri, however, didn’t let the drama overshadow his moment. “In sport and in life, it’s important to win. But I think even more how to lose, and I say always the same, it was my moment, I didn’t want to speak about others,” he said. “They didn’t want to be there—I want to be with my club, with my family, the people that were there and clapped me, and that was a fantastic moment.”
Rodri’s Road to Recovery
While Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win is a career highlight, the midfielder is currently facing one of the toughest challenges of his career. He suffered an ACL injury during a Premier League clash with Arsenal, ruling him out for the foreseeable future. Despite the setback, Rodri remains optimistic about his recovery.
“My target is to come back this season,” he said. “I think in terms of my mentality it’s going to be positive for me to not give up the season and throw it. I don’t want to run, you know, I don’t want to make mistakes. But yeah, that’s my mentality. I don’t know when… In my target is six, seven months, but the physios, they will dictate.”
Key Takeaways from the Ballon d’Or Drama
- Rodri’s Stellar Year: Winning the Premier League with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain solidified his claim to the Ballon d’Or.
- Madrid’s Controversial Boycott: The club’s decision to skip the ceremony has sparked debates about sportsmanship and respect in the game.
- Rodri’s Leadership: His comments highlight the importance of humility and grace, both in victory and defeat.
As the dust settles on this year’s Ballon d’Or, one thing is clear: Rodri’s words and actions have set a standard for how players should handle both triumph and disappointment. Whether you agree with Madrid’s boycott or not, the conversation it has sparked will undoubtedly linger in the soccer world for some time.
Originally Written by: Mark Ogden
