Manchester United midfielder Rodri has responded to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s criticism of the Ballon d’Or organizers, following his win over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. The Spanish star was named the best men’s player in a tight race, with Vinicius Jr. finishing as a close runner-up. Upon hearing that he had not won the prestigious award, Vinicius and his Real Madrid teammates chose to boycott the ceremony.
Rodri, who played a key role in both his club’s and country’s successful campaigns, was surprised by Ronaldo’s comments. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner had stated that it was “unfair” that Vinicius had not received the honor, especially after his contribution to Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League victories.
Rodri, reflecting on the situation, found it unusual that Ronaldo, who is well-versed in the award’s process, had made such a remark.
Speaking to Diario AS, Rodri said, “[Ronaldo] knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen.”
He continued, “This year the journalists who vote have considered that I should win it. Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win, and I imagine that then he would agree.”
