Rodri Responds to Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Criticism
In the world of football, where opinions are as varied as the fans themselves, Manchester City’s midfielder Rodri has found himself at the center of a debate sparked by none other than Cristiano Ronaldo. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner recently questioned Rodri’s selection as the 2024 Ballon d’Or recipient, suggesting that Vinícius Júnior was more deserving of the accolade.
Ronaldo’s comments were rooted in Vinícius’s achievements with Real Madrid, where he played a pivotal role in securing both the Champions League and scoring in the final. This, according to Ronaldo, made Vinícius a more fitting candidate for the prestigious award.
When asked about Ronaldo’s remarks, Rodri expressed his surprise in an interview with Diario AS. “A surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen,” Rodri stated. He further elaborated, “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.”
The Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris was notably boycotted by Real Madrid in October, following Rodri’s win over Vinícius. This decision added another layer of intrigue to the ongoing discussion about the award’s fairness and criteria.
Rodri’s Stellar Season
Rodri, at 28, clinched the Ballon d’Or after a remarkable season. His contributions were instrumental in Manchester City’s triumph in the Premier League and Spain’s victory in the European Championship. These achievements undoubtedly played a significant role in his selection for the award.
On the other hand, Vinícius Júnior was a formidable contender, having helped Real Madrid achieve a LaLiga and Champions League double. Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, Vinícius was later recognized with FIFA’s The Best men’s player award and the Globe Soccer’s best men’s prize on December 30.
The Impact of Winning the Ballon d’Or
Winning the Ballon d’Or has undeniably altered Rodri’s life. Reflecting on the changes, he shared, “It has changed my life. 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.”
Despite the accolades, Rodri remains grounded, acknowledging the challenges that come with success, including dealing with injuries. “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,” he added.
Key Points to Consider
- Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win has sparked debate, particularly with Cristiano Ronaldo’s comments favoring Vinícius Júnior.
- Rodri’s achievements with Manchester City and Spain were pivotal in his selection for the award.
- Vinícius Júnior, despite not winning the Ballon d’Or, received significant recognition with other prestigious awards.
- Rodri’s life has changed post-award, but he remains focused on his career and overcoming challenges.
As the football world continues to discuss and dissect the merits of the Ballon d’Or selection, one thing is clear: both Rodri and Vinícius Júnior have had seasons to remember, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
