PARIS: Spain and Manchester City player Rodri has been awarded the men’s Ballon d’Or following winning a 4th consecutive Premier League title as well as Euro 2024, but Real Madrid boycotted the event.
The decision to award the prize for the world’s best midfielder came as a surprise, with Real Madrid’s Liga and Champions League double winner Vinicius Junior usually seen as the favourite for the title.
Hours before the ceremony in Paris, France the Spanish club has announced its delegation would not take part in the ceremony at Chatelet Theatre as it perceived as a rejection of Vinicius.
Rodri, played a major role as Manchester City held off Arsenal to claim the Premier League previous season and was named best player of the event at Euro 2024 as Spain emerged triumphant in Germany.
Rodri was diplomatic when he was addressing the question of Real’s no-show in his post-award news conference. He said that Real Madrid have their decision, they didn’t want to be here for their reasons. He added that he focuses on his club and his team-mates.”
Despite the organizers asserting that the identity of the winner was a closely-guarded secret this time, the news report appeared to have leaked before the event.
Spain and Barcelona star Aitana Bonmati earlier won her second successive women’s Ballon d’Or, following leading her club to a historic continental quadruple of titles and securing the Nations League with her nation.
