Rodri’s victory at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony on Monday night sparked fury from Real Madrid – but one of the club’s players was pleased for him.
The Manchester City midfielder surprisingly beat favourite Vinicius Junior to the award in Paris. His win came after he helped City win a fourth consecutive Premier League title and played a key role in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.
The decision, which is voted for by journalists all over the world, went down badly in the Spanish capital, with Real refusing to attend due to what they considered disrespect. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, club president Florentino Perez and nominated players Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger and Fede Valverde all stayed at home.
Real told 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."
Rodri was very respectful in his acceptance speech, paying tribute to his family and team-mates, while mentioning Carvajal by name. And speaking to Movistar Plus+ afterwards, he explained that the Real and Spain right-back had already been in touch to congratulate him.
"I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me,” he said. “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.”
Carvajal finished in fourth place, with his Real team-mates Vinicius and Bellingham in second and third respectively. Like Rodri, he is set for a long spell on the sidelines after sustaining a serious knee injury in the early stages of the season.
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Although disappointed, the defender will have been touched by Rodri’s speech on stage at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris. "I don't want to forget my team-mates,” he said. “ 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.
“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.
"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."
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