I don’t know about you, but I am fed up with hearing people from every corner insulting, scolding, and giving moral lessons. More than one of those who dedicate themselves to teaching us how we should behave turns out to do the exact opposite.
This thought came to mind as I listened to the remarkable intervention of an exceptional footballer like Rodri, who is also a very down-to-earth guy, receiving the much-deserved Ballon d’Or. If it weren’t for him, it should have gone to Carvajal, who won the Champions League, La Liga, and the Eurocup in a single year. But it went to Rodri, and it’s well-deserved for the example he sets.
A calm guy, not at all arrogant, who in his speech remembered the Spanish midfielders who so richly deserved it yet were deprived of recognition, like Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, and not to mention the great goalkeeper Iker Casillas. He also took a moment to acknowledge that he was celebrating eight years with his girlfriend, dedicating some heartfelt but unpretentious words to her. He cited Carvajal, his national team mate, as well as the phenomenon known as Lamine Yamal. He reflected on moments of doubt when his father encouraged him to keep going. He has never abandoned his studies, as he graduated in Business Administration, and would travel to Castellón to take exams while playing about eighty matches a year.
I am not a Manchester City fan, the English league matters very little to me, and if I had to choose a team from the city, it would be United. If we extend this loyalty to all of England, I’d choose Liverpool, so my sympathies lie solely with the individual and my immense admiration for the player.
As if that weren’t enough, he championed Spanish football and dedicated his success to the entire nation. And honestly, what can I say? A guy playing in England who wins the Eurocup and celebrates by shouting, “Gibraltar is Spanish,” alongside a Ballon d’Or, certainly has some impressive balls — and I’m not just referring to the passes he makes to his strikers.
Values without insulting anyone, without scolding anyone, preaching on the pitch. Ballon d’Or for Rodri, breath of fresh air for all.
