Ballon d’Or : Criticized by Benzema, Rodri responded firmly.
Published by Juba Touabi, Media365, on Thursday January 2, 2025 at 11:45 a.m.
The 2024 Ballon d’Or, awarded to Spanish midfielder Rodri, continues to generate considerable debate.
While some are celebrating the accolade as well-deserved recognition for the Manchester City player, others, including Cristiano Ronaldo, are quick to question the decision. The Portuguese legend expressed his concerns, calling Rodri’s awarding of the award “unfair”. He argued that Vinicius Junior, who had a remarkable season with Real Madrid, was more deserving of this trophy. “After winning the Champions League and scoring in the final, Vinicius should have been the obvious choice,” said the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, reigniting the timeless debates over the selection criteria for the prestigious award.
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Faced with these criticisms, Rodri reacted calmly and diplomatically, saying: “It’s really a surprise, because he knows better than anyone how this prize works and, above all, how the winner is chosen.” He continued: “This year, the journalists who voted felt that I deserved it. They were probably the same journalists who at one point voted for him to win, and I imagine at that time , he agreed.” The Spanish player, at the peak of his career, considers this Ballon d’Or as an unforgettable moment, both for him and for his family.
Rodri also shared that this distinction significantly changed his life. Although this global recognition brings him immense pride, it is accompanied by a loss of certain personal freedoms. While this distinction should have been the highlight of his season, the Spaniard is currently going through a difficult period. Suffering from a ligament injury in his right knee, he was sidelined. Despite this setback, he remains resolutely optimistic. He hopes to be able to participate in two major competitions: the Nations League and the Club World Cup. The 2024 Ballon d’Or continues to divide the world of Football, between admiration for Rodri and regret for Vinicius Junior. While Ronaldo’s criticisms have reignited the debate on the selection criteria, the recipient remains focused on the essential: his return to the field and his ambition to continue making history.
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