Rodri responds to Cristiano Ronaldo’s criticism of the Ballon d’Or

Rodri has addressed criticism leveled by Cristiano Ronaldo after the Manchester City midfielder won the prestigious Ballon d’Or in October, following a successful campaign in which he helped City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

Ronaldo’s criticism

Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo expressed his discontent at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, where he appeared to question the legitimacy of the Ballon d’Or decision. The Portuguese striker expressed his belief that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr should having received the honor.

Ronaldo said:

“Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear. It was unfair. “That’s why I love the Globe Soccer Awards, they’re honest.”

Despite Rodri’s achievements, Ronaldo felt that the recognition should have gone to Vinicius, who had played a pivotal role for Real Madrid in 2024.

Rodri’s response

Rodri was taken aback by Ronaldo’s comments when asked in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS.

“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.

He went on to clarify the process by which the Ballon d’Or winner is selected:

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

A controversial victory

Rodri’s triumph in winning the Ballon d’Or was not without controversy. The Real Madrid delegation, upset by the decision, chose to withdraw from the event hours before its start.

Vinicius Jr later received the honor of Best FIFA Player and also received recognition at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards, where he was named best footballer of the year.