Rodri, a Spanish midfielder for Manchester City, has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. This has caused debate and criticism from Real Madrid, who say the decision was wrong.
An Unforeseen Winner
Rodri’s win surprised many because he wasn’t seen as the frontrunner. His contributions to Manchester City, including key performances in important matches, helped him beat Vinicius, whose season for Real Madrid led many to predict his victory.
Reactions and Controversies
The 2024 Ballon d’Or decision sparked a range of reactions, especially from Real Madrid’s camp:
- Real Madrid Boycott: In protest, Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid decided not to attend the award ceremony in Paris, making a strong statement against the outcome .
- Accusations of Disrespect: Real Madrid expressed dissatisfaction, accusing the Ballon d’Or organizers of disrespect and questioning the award’s selection criteria .
- Performance Comparisons: The decision to select Rodri over Vinicius has been hotly debated, with many believing Vinicius’ season was stronger and more influential, particularly in La Liga and the Champions League .
German Player Representation
Germany’s Toni Kroos also secured a place in the Ballon d’Or’s top ten, continuing the strong tradition of German representation in international football’s elite ranks .
A Milestone Decision
Rodri’s win marks a turning point for the Ballon d’Or. It will be talked about for a long time. It could change how players are evaluated or simply be a one-off. Either way, it has changed how people think about football’s most important individual award.