Rodri appeared to aim a dig at Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid during his acceptance speech after winning the Ballon d’Or.
On Monday night, Rodri’s stellar 23/24 campaign received its crowning moment as the Manchester City and Spain star was named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
The 28-year-old was voted as the best player in the world ahead of the likes of Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and teammate Erling Haaland.
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After Rodri was announced as the winner, there was outrage from the Madrid squad as they all felt it should’ve been Vinicius.
Aurelien Tchouameni wrote: “Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know… They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver.” Eduardo Camavinga added: “Football politics. My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro.”
Vinicius himself wrote: “I'll do it 10x if I have to. They're not ready.”
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During his acceptance speech, Rodri said: “Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football.
“Many friends told me that football has won.”
Reacting on social media, one fan said: “Own Madrid.”
Another tweeted: “These friends know Vinicius is a fraud.”
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A third fan added: “Vini catching strays.”
Someone else wrote: “Lmao they don’t rate Vini.”
A fifth commented: “And they are absolutely right. Football is healing after that 2018 ceremony where Modric won.”
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Rodri added “I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best. I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don't have to be crazy. I would like to thank God. Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn't have made this without you. For me this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis [de la Fuente] for trusting me.
“Winning the Ballon d'Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me. I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me and my family.”
Topics: Football, Real Madrid, Rodri, Vinicius Jr, Vinicius Junior, Fan Reactions