Rodri vs Vinicius Ballon d’Or 2024 Criticism, Rodri Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s

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Rodri vs Vinicius Ballon d’Or 2024 Criticism, Rodri Responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s claim has been the focal point of intense debate in the football world. The Ballon d’Or ceremony, held in October 2024, witnessed Manchester City star Rodri clinching the coveted prize. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, voiced his disagreement with the decision, claiming that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr deserved the honor.

Ballon d’Or 2024 Controversy, Rodri vs. Cristiano Ronaldo

While attending the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo openly criticized the Ballon d’Or selection process. He declared that Vinicius Jr, who had an exceptional year with Real Madrid, winning the UEFA Champions League and scoring in the final, should have received the award instead of Rodri. Ronaldo remarked, “In my opinion, Vinicius deserved to win the Golden Ball. It was unfair. The Globe Soccer Awards are honest, and that’s why I appreciate them.”

Rodri’s Response to the Criticism

Rodri, who earned the Ballon d’Or after a stellar season with Manchester City, expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s comments. In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, the midfielder stated, “It was a surprise because Ronaldo knows how the Ballon d’Or works. The journalists who voted decided that I should win. These are the same journalists who, at some point, voted for him to win. I imagine he agreed with them then.”

Vinicius Jr’s Protest and the Boycott

Vinicius Jr and his Real Madrid teammates boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest. The Brazilian’s contributions to Real Madrid’s success, including his Champions League-winning goal against Borussia Dortmund, were considered by many to be worthy of the award. Despite the protest, Rodri’s consistent performances for Manchester City earned him the top spot.

Rodri’s Remarkable Season

Rodri played 50 matches in all competitions during the 2023/24 season, scoring nine goals. He was instrumental in Manchester City’s triumph in the Premier League, where they narrowly edged out Arsenal for the title. His midfield dominance and tactical acumen solidified his reputation as one of the best players in the world.

The Ballon d’Or Selection Process

The Ballon d’Or is awarded based on votes from journalists in a transparent and democratic process. Rodri acknowledged this, emphasizing that the decision reflected the collective opinion of experts. He also highlighted that the same process had benefited Ronaldo in the past.

Rodri’s Injury and City’s Struggles

Currently sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in September, Rodri’s absence has been felt by Manchester City. Manager Pep Guardiola’s side has struggled in the Premier League, winning just one of their last nine matches before a recent victory over Leicester City. Rodri’s potential return later this season could provide the team with a much-needed boost.

A Heated Debate, Rodri vs Vinicius Ballon d’Or 2024 Criticism

Ronaldo’s comments have reignited discussions about the fairness of football awards and the criteria for selecting winners. While some fans and analysts agree with Ronaldo’s viewpoint, others defend Rodri’s win, citing his exceptional consistency and impact on Manchester City’s success.

Conclusion

The debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or reflects the passionate opinions within the football community. While Ronaldo’s support for Vinicius Jr highlights the Brazilian’s incredible achievements, Rodri’s win underscores his immense contributions to Manchester City. Ultimately, the Ballon d’Or remains a subjective honor, shaped by the perspectives of those who vote.

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