Cristiano Ronaldo has reignited the debate over this year’s Ballon d’Or by branding Rodri’s victory “unfair”. Manchester City midfielder Rodri was the surprise winner of the men’s award at the end of October, beating Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior in the vote. Although the award is voted for by journalists from around the globe, Real kicked up a fuss, boycotting the event and suggesting the Vinicius snub was disrespectful.
The Brazilian forward contributed 24 goals in 39 appearances across all competitions to help Real clinch the La Liga and Champions League double last season. He did land the FIFA Best award for his efforts, but the Ballon d’Or decision is still a source of bitterness.
Ronaldo left Real way back in 2018 but is still siding with the Spanish giants. Speaking in Dubai at the Globe Soccer Awards, where he was named ‘Best Middle East player of 2024’, he said: “In my opinion, he (Vinicius) deserved to win the golden ball [Ballon d'Or award].
“It was unfair in my opinion. I say [it] here in front of everybody. 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.”. It should be noted that Ronaldo has his own beef with the Ballon d’Or, having only racked up five wins to Lionel Messi ’s tally of eight. Ronaldo was not even on the shortlist for nominees this year and wasn’t best pleased about it.
