Rodri put in his place and told Cole Palmer should have won Ballon d'Or instead

Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has been put in his place by one ex-Premier League star who believes Cole Palmer should’ve won the award instead.

Rodri was the surprise winner at Monday night’s ceremony in Paris, with Vinicius Junior having entered the week as the favourite to take home the award.

However, in a dramatic turn of events, it was revealed on Monday afternoon that the entire Real Madrid delegation, including Vini Jr, were snubbing the event after getting wind their main man hadn’t won the Ballon d’Or.

That accolade went to Manchester City’s Rodri, who on the back of a Premier League and Euro 2024-winning season was officially named the world’s best player.

But despite the various team and individual accolades Rodri won during the 2023/24 season, former Tottenham ace Jamie O’Hara claims ex-City academy graduate Palmer, who placed 25th overall, ought to have won the main prize instead.

Commenting after the 28-year-old was awarded the trophy, O’Hara told talkSPORT: “Rodri is a brilliant player, so important to the team. He doesn’t win you football matches. He is a system player, he plays in a system that Pep has implemented and he plays it in the best in the world.

“He is a fantastic football player but individual awards are for players who win football matches like Vinicius Junior, like Harry Kane, like Cole Palmer”.

It’s a somewhat surprising comment given Rodri, who scored the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final, had established himself as one of City’s most important players before going down with an ACL injury.

The Spaniard won four trophies for club and country last season while losing just one match across all competitions.

He also starred for Spain at the Euros, not only winning the competition in Germany but doing so as the Player of the Tournament.

Overall, for club and country, Rodri netted 12 goals and recorded an impressive 15 assists throughout the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spaniard won four trophies for club and country last season while losing just one match across all competitions.

He also starred for Spain at the Euros, not only winning the competition in Germany but doing so as the Player of the Tournament.

Overall, for club and country, Rodri netted 12 goals and recorded an impressive 15 assists throughout the 2023/24 campaign.