Ballon d’Or – Theatre du Chatelet, Paris, France – October 28, 2024 Spain’s and Manchester City’s Rodri with the Ballon d’Or. (REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier)
Ballon d’Or winner Rodri said that he does not have an issue with Vinicius Jr and Real Madrid skipping the ceremony last month after the Brazilian and his club reportedly did not wish to attend when they found out that he would finish second.
“Why would it hurt me? It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I’d be thinking about is people who weren’t there, and didn’t want to participate,” Rodri said in an interview with COPE radio.
“I respect Vinicius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it… I’d vote for [Dani] Carvajal, and Vinicius too. Maybe Carvajal second,” he added.
The 28-year-old Rodri, who was a leading figure in Manchester City’s English Premier League title triumph also played a pivotal role in Spain’s European Championship victory.
“An incredible night for me. It’s a special day for me, my family and my country,” Rodri had said upon receiving the award.
“I always try to improve every day, the level of my game, [playing] the modern holding midfielder role, playing further forward. I’m just a normal guy, I enjoy sport, enjoy my profession. I try to be a good person, try to be a leader. I’m a calm person, until I get upset. I’d like to show the kids that you don’t have to be crazy, you can be a normal guy, try to do your best,” he had added.
Finishing behind him in the tally was Vinicius Jr, who didn’t attend the award ceremony as didn’t any of his Real Madrid teammates or Carlo Ancelotti, who was named the best coach in the men’s division.
Reports from Spain had suggested that Madrid had boycotted to attend the event after they learned that the Brazilian didn’t win the award for the best men’s player.
The La Liga and UEFA Champions League winners of the last season went on to win the men’s club of the year award.
