Manchester City star Rodri has spoken out after Cristiano Ronaldo criticized the outcome of this year’s Ballon d’Or, which the Spanish midfielder won in October.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner himself, questioned the fairness of the award during the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, suggesting Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr was more deserving.
“Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion, it was clear,” Ronaldo stated. “It was unfair. This is why I love the Globe Soccer Awards; they are honest.”
Rodri, who played a crucial role in Manchester City’s historic season and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, addressed these remarks in an interview with Spanish outlet AS.
“Well, it was a surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen,” he said.
Rodri emphasized that the decision was made by journalists who had previously voted for Ronaldo himself to win the accolade.
Rodri’s achievement was monumental, as he became the first Premier League player since Ronaldo in 2008 to win the award.
His contributions helped Manchester City secure an unprecedented four consecutive English top-flight titles and a memorable European Championship win for Spain.
Despite the praise for Rodri’s performance, the decision to award him the Ballon d’Or was met with some backlash. Real Madrid notably pulled a 50-member delegation from attending the Paris ceremony, signaling their discontent.
