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Manchester City midfielder Rodri has addressed Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent remarks regarding his Ballon d’Or victory, which the Portuguese star deemed “unfair” in favor of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. Rodri, who clinched the prestigious award on October 28, 2024, expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s comments during an interview with AS. He emphasized that the decision was made by journalists who voted for him based on his exceptional contributions to Manchester City and the Spanish national team, including winning the Premier League and Euro 2024.
Ronaldo’s statements came during the Globe Soccer Awards, where he suggested that Vinicius deserved the accolade due to his pivotal role in helping Real Madrid secure both La Liga and the Champions League titles. Despite acknowledging Rodri’s merits, Ronaldo maintained that Vinicius’ achievements warranted recognition as well.
Rodri highlighted the importance of respecting the voting process and pointed out that Ronaldo himself had previously benefited from similar votes throughout his illustrious career. He stated, “He knows better than anyone how this award works… these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win it”.
Vinicius Junior, responding to Ronaldo’s endorsement, expressed pride in being recognized by his idol and stated, “If Cristiano says I’m the best, then I am”—a testament to Ronaldo’s influence in football.
The controversy surrounding this year’s Ballon d’Or has sparked discussions about fairness in award selections and the criteria used to determine winners. Rodri’s victory marks a significant achievement as he becomes the first player from England’s top tier to win since Ronaldo in 2008, reflecting a shift in recognition towards midfielders who play critical roles in their teams’ successes.
