Rodri speaks out on Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr’s Ballon d’Or ceremony snub

Manchester City star and recent Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has on Tuesday for the first time spoken out on the decision of Real Madrid not to attend last month’s ceremony.

Spanish international Rodri is for his part of course fresh off being crowned world football’s best for 2024.

As much came as a considerable shock, with Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. having been labelled a near shoo-in for the award for weeks leading up to the ceremony.

So taken aback were those in a position of power at the Santiago Bernabéu, that the collective decision was then made for the club not to attend the Ballon d’Or gala.

And as alluded to above, on Tuesday, Rodri has for the first time provided his take on this call.

Speaking during an interview with COPE, the 28-year-old was drawn on Real Madrid’s ‘Golden Ball’ snub.

Rodri, though, went on to provide the perfect response, assuring that he was left largely unbothered by Vinícius’ absence in Paris:

“Well, if Real Madrid doesn’t come it must be for a reason, but I wasn’t hurt that Vinicius wasn’t there. Why would I be hurt?”

Conor Laird – GSFN