Rodri receives phone call from Real Madrid star after Vinicius Jr denied Ballon d'Or

Rodri’s surprise win at Monday’s Ballon d’Or awards left Real Madrid fuming – but one club star still reached out with congratulations. The Manchester City ace pipped the likes of Vinicius Junior to the prestigious trophy following a stellar season that saw City claim their fourth Premier League title in a row, while also playing an instrumental role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success.

The judging panel, comprising of journalists worldwide, showed scant favour among Madridistas, whose stars abstained from the event, which they labelled disrespectful. Real Madrid boycotted the ceremony in protest, with the likes of Carlo Ancelotti, Florentino Perez and nominees including Vinicius, Mbappe, Carvajal, Bellingham, Rudiger and Valverde steering clear.

Real Madrid expressed to AFP: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”

Despite the controversy, Rodri’s acceptance speech exuded class as he honoured his loved ones and peers, even giving Carvajal a special mention. After his victory, Rodri shared with Movistar Plus+ that Carvajal, his teammate for Spain, didn’t hesitate to offer his congratulations.

“I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me,” Rodri recalled. “I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury.”

Despite finishing fourth in the race for the Ballon d’Or, behind his Real teammates Vinicius and Bellingham, Carvajal would surely have been moved by Rodri’s heartfelt words at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. The celebrated defender is facing a lengthy recovery period after a major knee injury.

In an emotional address to the assembly, Rodri paid tribute to his team: “I don’t want to forget my team-mates,” he professed. “Manchester City thank you, you’re so special, I know I wouldn’t be here without you. For me they are the best club in the world.”

Gratitude was also extended to his country’s squad and its leader with Rodri stating: “I’d like to thank the national team and Luis [de la Fuente] for trusting me for so long. My colleagues with whom I won the Euros Carvajal, he should’ve been here with me. Lamine [Yamal], I know you’ll win this award soon.”

Rodri concluded: “This is not just a victory for me, but for Spanish football. So many players who didn’t win the award, but deserved it, this is a victory of Spanish football.”