Florentino Perez, Real Madrid president: ‘Rodri deserves the Ballon d’Or, but…’

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has publicly expressed his dissatisfaction over the 2024 Ballon d’Or awarded to Rodri.

Awarded last month to the Manchester City midfielder, the trophy continues to be the subject of much controversy.

Vinicius Junior was the favorite to win it, but it was ultimately Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri Hernandez who won.

Real Madrid learned that Rodri would be the winner on the day of the award and decided at the last minute to boycott the event to protest the result. Florentino Perez would be behind this decision.

Florentino Perez: “Rodri deserves the Ballon d’Or but not this year”

During the Real Madrid general assembly this Sunday, November 24, 2024, Florentino Perez addressed the question of the Ballon d’Or.

“The Ballon d’Or is an event that UEFA organized for the first time in history with France Football.

I mean Rodri is a great footballer and he is from Madrid, he has our affection. He deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year, last year.

This one was intended for a Real Madrid player. The clamor was for Vinicius, but it could have been for our captain, Carvajal. Or even Bellingham. It’s very difficult to explain.”indicated the president of Real Madrid.

Last year, Messi won his 8th Ballon d’Or after winning the World Cup with Argentina.

Man City players including Haaland and Rodri were also favorites to have won the Champions League. But they had no choice but to congratulate the Argentinian on his victory.

This year, Rodri won the Euro with Spain. However, the Champions League was won by Real Madrid. The Merengues therefore expected to receive the Ballon d’Or. Unfortunately, this trophy slipped through their fingers.