- Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or after an excellent year with Manchester City and Spain
- It appeared as though Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior was going to win the award, but it wasn't to be
- His Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe's silence has raised some questions
Manchester City midfielder Rodri beat Vinicius Junior to the 2024 Ballon d'Or award.
The Real Madrid superstar was widely expected to win it, but Rodri appeared to have clinched it hours before the award ceremony.
Vinicius Jr Real Madrid teammates Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham have not spoken since the outcome.
How did Rodri win Ballon d'Or
The 28-year-old Man City star had a phenomenal season. He led the English side to their fourth straight Premier League title and helped Spain win the Euros in Germany.
He became the first player from the Premier League to win the Ballon d'Or since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
"A very special day, for me, my family and my country," Rodri said via ESPN. "I understand that because I have no social media, people don't know me much. I am just a normal guy. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy my profession.Rodri is the first midfielder to win it since Croatia's Luka Modric in 2018. Furthermore, he is the fourth Spaniard to win the award.
Mbappe and Bellingham silence
Vinicius Jr was widely expected to win the award following a terrific season with Real Madrid. He helped his club win the La Liga and Champions League last season.
Many felt that the Brazilian had done enough to win the prestigious award, but it appears his form for his country was the biggest undoing.
Bellingham and Mbappe finished third and sixth, respectively, but they have yet to break their silence since Vinicius Jr.'s loss. Some fans noticed.
@FCBJimmy_:
"The happiest person right now lives in Madrid and he is called Kylian Mbappé."@pallnandi:
"Mbappé, in the dressing room, pretending to be devastated that Vini isn’t winning the Ballon d’Or." 😂🫠@MusialaEra:
"Best thing is there will be civil war in Madrid‘s dressing room this season, Mbappe Bellingham Vinicius all sabotaging themselves on the pitch to win the Ballon d‘Or oh this ego battle and Madrid downfall is gonna be peak comedy."How much do Ballon d'Or winners get?
Legit.ng has also reported on how much Rodri will receive after winning the Ballon d'Or.
It might be the most lucrative individual award in football, but the winner does not receive any monetary gains.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke