Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed confusion over Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of his selection as the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.
Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or recipient, had argued that Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior was more deserving of the accolade, citing his Champions League victory and goal in the final.
Responding to Ronaldo’s remarks, Rodri told Diario AS: “It’s surprising, honestly, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, most importantly, how the winner is decided.
“This year, the journalists who vote believed I deserved to win. These are likely the same journalists who, at some point, voted for him to win, and I imagine he agreed with their decision then.”
Real Madrid notably boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in October after Rodri was chosen over Vinícius.
At 28, Rodri clinched the prestigious award following a remarkable season where he helped Manchester City secure the Premier League title and Spain win the European Championship.
Vinícius, meanwhile, was a leading candidate for the Ballon d’Or after contributing to Real Madrid’s LaLiga and Champions League triumphs. Despite missing out on the Ballon d’Or, the Brazilian star later won FIFA’s The Best Men’s Player Award and Globe Soccer’s Best Men’s Player accolade on December 30.