Rodri of Manchester City has shared his thoughts on Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony in October, following his win over Vinícius Júnior. Rodri was awarded the prestigious honor after a remarkable season, in which he played a key role in Manchester City’s Premier League title victory and Spain’s triumph in the European Championship.
Vinícius, who was a strong contender for the award, opted not to attend the Paris ceremony upon learning that he would not be receiving the Ballon d’Or. He was joined by other Madrid nominees and club officials in skipping the event. Speaking on “The Rest is Football” podcast, Rodri commented, “Ultimately, it’s a personal or club decision, but I can’t say I respect it. I’ve always said that I would have handled it differently.” He also referenced his support for Erling Haaland the previous year, noting that even though Lionel Messi won, he was there to cheer him on because the Ballon d’Or is about recognizing a player’s achievements over the course of an entire year.
Despite Vinícius and other Madrid figures being absent, the club still received accolades, with Real Madrid being named Men’s Team of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti winning Coach of the Year. However, since no representatives from Madrid were present, the awards went uncollected.
Rodri also reflected on the importance of how athletes handle both winning and losing. “It’s all about the moment, how you celebrate success, and how you accept defeat,” he said, emphasizing that he treasured the support from his teammates, family, and fans who celebrated with him.
On a personal note, Rodri discussed the ACL injury he suffered during a Premier League match against Arsenal, which has sidelined him for an extended period. While the exact timeline for his recovery is unclear, he remains optimistic and is aiming for a return in six to seven months. “I’m focused on staying positive and not rushing it,” he said, expressing his commitment to making a full recovery.
