Rodri reveals first Real Madrid player to congratulate him after winning the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night

Rodri reveals first Real Madrid player to congratulate him after winning the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night

Rodri’s triumph at the Ballon d’Or awards on Monday night sparked tensions in Madrid, as Real Madrid expressed strong disapproval of the outcome as reported by The Mirror.

 

The Manchester City midfielder, who led his team to their fourth consecutive Premier League title and was pivotal in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, claimed the prestigious award in Paris.

 

His win defied expectations, especially for Real Madrid fans and players who had favored Vinicius Junior.

 

Real Madrid officials, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, club president Florentino Perez, and key players like Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, and Jude Bellingham, opted not to attend the ceremony.

 

A Real Madrid spokesperson told AFP, “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”

 

Despite the backlash, Rodri acknowledged his peers with humility.

 

During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his family and teammates and even singled out Real Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, showing respect for his fellow players.

 

Following the ceremony, he revealed to Movistar Plus+ that Carvajal had personally congratulated him: “I received a call from Dani Carvajal, who was very happy for me. I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it.

 

He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club, and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury.”

 

Carvajal, who secured fourth place, was joined by Real teammates Vinicius and Bellingham, who took second and third, respectively.

 

As reported by ESPN and Fabrizio Romano, In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, Rodri, the exceptional Spanish midfielder, has been crowned the world’s best player, edging out Vinícius Júnior.

 

 

Rodri’s phenomenal performances for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team secured him the coveted award. His versatility, vision, and technical prowess on the pitch have earned widespread acclaim.

 

Brazilian winger Vinícius Júnior finished second in the voting, narrowly missing out on the top honor. Despite the disappointment, his impressive displays for Real Madrid and Brazil solidify his status as one of the world’s elite players.

 

 

 

“Rodri’s consistency, creativity, and leadership made him the standout candidate,” said France Football’s Editor-in-Chief, Pascal Ferré.

 

“Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win is well-deserved,” tweeted Manchester City Manager, Pep Guardiola. “He’s an exceptional player and teammate.”

 

Former Barcelona player, Xavi Hernández, added, “Rodrigo’s vision and control are unmatched. He’s a true Spanish great.”

 

An emotional Rodrigo dedicated his award to his family, teammates, and coaches. “This honor is not just mine, but a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone who has supported me.”

 

Rodrigo’s Ballon d’Or triumph marks a remarkable milestone in his illustrious career, solidifying his status among the world’s elite footballers.