Rodri Defends Ballon d'Or Win After Cristiano Ronaldo's Criticism

The Manchester City midfielder responded to Ronaldo's claim that Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior deserved the award, emphasizing the voting process and his achievements.

Cristiano Ronaldo stated at the Globe Soccer Awards that Vinícius Júnior should have won the 2024 Ballon d'Or instead of Manchester City's Rodri, citing Vinícius' Champions League victory and final goal.
Rodri, the first Manchester City player to win the Ballon d'Or, responded by highlighting the award's voting process, determined by an international jury of journalists.
Rodri expressed surprise at Ronaldo's comments, noting that the same process had previously awarded Ronaldo five Ballon d'Or titles.
Vinícius Júnior, who won multiple trophies with Real Madrid in 2024, including the Champions League, was later named FIFA's The Best Men's Player and Globe Soccer's Best Men's Player.
Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony after Vinícius was informed he would not win, while Rodri also earned recognition for helping Spain secure the Euro 2024 title and being named Player of the Tournament.