Featured Image Credit: Ballon d'Or/Getty
Topics: Football, Real Madrid, Rodri, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Fan Reactions
Marcus Chan
Topics: Football, Real Madrid, Rodri, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Fan Reactions
Rodri appeared to aim a dig at Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid during his acceptance speech after winning the Ballon d’Or.
On Monday night, Rodri’s stellar 23/24 campaign received its crowning moment as the Manchester City and Spain star was named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
The 28-year-old was voted as the best player in the world ahead of the likes of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and teammate Erling Haaland.
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After Rodri was announced as the winner, there was outrage from the Madrid squad as they all felt it should’ve been Vinicius.
Aurelien Tchouameni wrote: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.” Eduardo Camavinga added: “Football politics. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.”
Vinicius himself wrote: “I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready.”
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During his acceptance speech, Rodri said: “Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football.
“Many friends told me that football has won.”
Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Own Madrid.”
Another tweeted: “These friends know Vinicius is a fraud.”
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A third fan added: “Vini catching strays.”
Someone else wrote: “Lmao they don’t rate Vini.”
A fifth commented: “And they are absolutely right. Football is healing after that 2018 ceremony where Modric won.”
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Rodri added “I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best. I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don't have to be crazy. I would like to thank God. Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn't have made this without you. For me this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis [de la Fuente] for trusting me.
“Winning the Ballon d'Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me. I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me and my family.”