‘I’m Surprised’ – Rodri Responds to Ronaldo’s Ballon d’Or Criticism

Rodri responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of the Ballon d’Or, calling it “unexpected.”
Ronaldo claims Vinicius Jr deserved the 2024 Ballon d’Or, questioning the award’s fairness.
The debate highlights contrasting views on football’s most prestigious individual accolade.

Rodri has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo’s critique of the Ballon d’Or after the Portuguese star labeled the award “unfair” during the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

Ronaldo, a five-time Ballon d’Or winner, voiced his opinion that Vinícius Jr. deserved the 2024 award instead of Rodri. “Vinícius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or; for me, it was clear,” Ronaldo stated. “It was unfair. That’s why I appreciate the Globe Soccer Awards—they are honest.”

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While Ronaldo praised Vinícius Jr, who was named Best Men’s Footballer at the Globe Soccer Awards, Rodri was honored with the Ballon d’Or at the Paris ceremony.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS, Rodri expressed his surprise at Ronaldo’s remarks, offering his perspective on the situation.

“Well, it was a surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen,” Rodri said.

“This year, the journalists who vote have decided that I should win it. Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win it, and I imagine that then he would have agreed.”

Rodri secured the Ballon d’Or following an exceptional year marked by his instrumental contributions to Manchester City’s historic fourth consecutive Premier League title.

The midfielder also played a pivotal role in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign under Luis de la Fuente, cementing his status as one of the world’s elite players.