Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently stirred up discussions following his victory at the Ballon d'Or as he addressed the controversial snub by Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. The event, held last month in Paris, transformed from a celebration of football excellence to a point of contention between fans and players alike.
Rodri, who had enjoyed stellar performances including pivotal roles in both the Premier League and Euro 2024 victories, took the top honor this year. His win was seen as a surprise by many, especially considering Vinicius was regarded as the favorite due to his instrumental contributions to Real Madrid's Champions League and La Liga successes last season. This shift set the stage for the drama to follow.
Before the awards ceremony, speculation had already begun swirling. Leaked information hinted Rodri would take home the award, prompting Vinicius and other members of Real Madrid’s delegation to forgo their trip to Paris completely. This decision led to their absence not only from the ceremony but also from accepting honors for the club, who were awarded 'Men's Club of the Year.'
Upon winning, Rodri reflected on the ceremony's meaning, emphasizing the importance of showing up to support one another, regardless of personal accolades. He stated, "When your value is recognized at a very high level, final winner or not, it’s good to come." He recalled how last year, even when he was not the frontrunner, he attended to support Erling Haaland, demonstrating sportsmanship which he believes should be reciprocated.
"Knowing how to win but also knowing how to lose is important," he reiterated, hinting at his disapproval of Vinicius' choice. Rodri expressed, "What do you want me to tell you? That I would have preferred everyone to be there? Of course, I would have. I have to respect everyone’s decision. Even if I wouldn’t have acted the same way." This comment sparked mixed reactions across the footballing world—some praising his approach, others recognizing the disappointment felt by Vinicius and his supporters.
Following the awards, Vinicius took to social media, expressing his devastation over the outcome. He tweeted, “I’ll do it 10x if I have to. They’re not ready,” signifying his commitment to striving for success regardless of this setback. Melancholy accompanied his sentiments as reports revealed he had even planned big celebrations anticipating his victory, which he scrambled to cancel once Rodri's win was confirmed.
Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville chimed in on the situation, stating Vinicius had behaved like "a sore loser" and criticized his reaction following the announcement. He drew attention to the essence of sportsmanship, arguing, "Rodri is a class-act on and off the pitch and I’m delighted he won it." Neville suggested it would have shown true class for Vinicius to attend the ceremony and later celebrate Rodri’s achievement, emphasizing the importance of fostering camaraderie among players at such significant events.
Contrastingly, Rodri himself received numerous congratulations after his win, with messages flooding his phone as friends informed him of Real Madrid’s absence. "I got on the plane just to attend the ceremony and landed almost as if I was already winning," he shared, reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of the night.
On the day of the ceremony, the atmosphere was tense. Rodri had not been privy to any insider tips about winning prior to the event, which he found refreshing. He expressed surprise at how much speculation had circulated among fans and players alike about the outcome.
Despite the controversy, Rodri maintained he holds no bitterness toward Real Madrid for their absence. Instead, he reiterated the fundamental aspect of recognizing success, either personally or collectively. "For example, last year, Erling [Haaland] was in a stronger position than I was to win, and I supported him back then. It’s important to acknowledge everyone’s talent,” he stated, calling on fellow players to uphold the dignity of their roles on and off the field.
Reflecting on these developments, one cannot help but ponder the future of Vinicius Junior's career and how this moment might shape his ambitions moving forward. His talent and determination make many believe he is destined for greatness; nonetheless, recovering from this setback and channeling his emotions positively will be key to his continued success. For Rodri, the Ballon d'Or not only caps off his achievements but also positions him as one of the leading figures within the sporting world—a role he appears ready to embrace.”
