Manchester City midfielder Rodri has addressed recent comments from Cristiano Ronaldo, who expressed disagreement over the Spaniard’s Ballon d’Or win ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior. The Portuguese football icon voiced his opinion during the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, claiming that Vinicius, who played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League victory, deserved the prestigious award more than Rodri.
Ronaldo’s remarks have stirred debate within the football community, as the five-time Ballon d’Or winner supported Vinicius and criticized the decision to award Rodri. The Spanish midfielder, however, has firmly responded, defending his triumph and emphasizing the award’s voting process.
Ronaldo’s Take on the Ballon d’Or Decision
Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains one of the most influential figures in football, did not shy away from voicing his opinion on Rodri’s win. At the Globe Soccer Awards, Ronaldo praised Rodri’s performance but argued that the accolade should have gone to Vinicius.
“In my opinion, he [Vinicius] deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, in my opinion. I say [it] here in front of everybody,” Ronaldo stated. “They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too, but they should have given it to Vinicius because he won the Champions League and scored in the final.”
Vinicius, who was instrumental in Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final, was among several Madrid players who boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in protest of the outcome.
Rodri Defends His Victory
In an interview with Spanish outlet AS, Rodri expressed surprise at Ronaldo’s comments. Despite his respect for the football legend, the Manchester City star pointed out that the Ballon d’Or is awarded based on the votes of journalists, a process Ronaldo himself benefited from during his illustrious career.
“Well, it was a surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen,” Rodri said. “This year, the journalists who voted have decided that I should win it. Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win it, and I imagine that then he would have agreed.”
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win capped an incredible year in which he played 50 matches across all competitions, scoring nine goals and helping Manchester City secure the Premier League title over rivals Arsenal.
The Challenges Facing Rodri and Manchester City
While Rodri has enjoyed individual success, Manchester City has encountered challenges this season. The midfielder is currently sidelined due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained during a 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September. His absence has been felt keenly, with City struggling to find form, managing just one win in nine league games before their recent victory over Leicester.
Rodri acknowledged the difficulties his team is facing, attributing some of their struggles to key player absences. “We are in a critical situation at City,” he admitted. “I always say that when there are absences in certain positions, the team feels the effects. We have experienced this in other years with [Kevin] De Bruyne or with another player who has been absent for a long time.”
Despite these challenges, Rodri remains optimistic about the remainder of the season. He emphasized the importance of unity and resilience within the squad, recognizing that improvement must come gradually.
“I know that we are in a bad time, a time that we are perhaps finding difficult to assimilate and in which we are not feeling well, but in the end, this is part of sport,” Rodri said. “You have to pick yourself up. The good thing is that there is room for improvement in the rest of the season. This changes a lot. Football changes.”
Staying Calm Amid Struggles
Rodri stressed the need for patience and maturity as Manchester City navigates a challenging phase. He warned against panicking and highlighted the importance of steady progress.
“I don’t think that, in the end, this moment will be very significant, neither for the good nor the bad. You go through phases throughout the year,” he explained. “The seasons are longer now, and maturity and calm are important. Obviously, you must not relax or believe that this is going to change overnight. That doesn’t happen in football. It has to improve gradually.”
The midfielder called for a balanced approach to addressing the team’s current struggles. “We are in a situation, I would say, that is a bit of a limit. You have to try to win, but without panic,” he concluded.
A Heated Debate
Rodri’s response to Ronaldo’s criticism underscores the ongoing debate over the Ballon d’Or selection process. While the award celebrates individual excellence, the criteria often spark controversy among fans, players, and pundits alike.
Vinicius Junior’s exclusion from the top prize has reignited discussions about the weight of team achievements versus individual contributions. For Rodri, his victory is a reflection of the journalists’ recognition of his consistency and impact throughout the year.
As Manchester City works to overcome their struggles and Rodri eyes a return to action, the midfielder’s focus remains on contributing to his team’s success. Whether or not the Ballon d’Or decision will continue to be a topic of debate, Rodri’s commitment to his craft and his team is unwavering.
Looking Ahead
With the season far from over, Manchester City has time to turn their fortunes around. For Rodri, returning to full fitness and helping his team reclaim their dominant form will be the ultimate goal. Meanwhile, the Ballon d’Or debate serves as a reminder of football’s passionate and sometimes divisive nature, where every decision sparks lively conversations across the globe.
