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 winner, 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 said. He pointed out that the journalists who voted for him were likely the same ones who had previously voted for Ronaldo, suggesting that the process was consistent and fair.
Rodri’s win was not without controversy, as Real Madrid chose to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris after the decision was announced. Despite the backlash, Rodri’s achievements speak for themselves. At 28, he had a remarkable season, winning the Premier League title with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain.
Vinícius, on the other hand, was a strong contender for the men’s prize, having helped Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League double last season. Although he missed out on the Ballon d’Or, he was later recognized with FIFA’s The Best men’s player award and won Globe Soccer’s best men’s prize on December 30.
Rodri, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury sustained in September, reflected on how winning the Ballon d’Or has impacted his life. “It has changed my life,” he admitted. “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.”
He continued, “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.”
Key Points to Consider
- Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win has been met with mixed reactions, particularly from Cristiano Ronaldo.
- Vinícius Júnior’s achievements with Real Madrid were highlighted by Ronaldo as deserving of the award.
- Despite the controversy, Rodri’s accomplishments with Manchester City and Spain are noteworthy.
- Rodri’s injury has added another layer of complexity to his current situation.
As the football world continues to debate the merits of the Ballon d’Or decision, one thing is clear: both Rodri and Vinícius have had exceptional seasons, and their contributions to their respective teams are undeniable. Whether you agree with the outcome or not, the discussion surrounding the award highlights the passion and intensity that make football such a beloved sport worldwide.
Originally Written by: Adriana Garcia
