Rodri savagely rips Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid for failing to attend Ballon d'Or ceremony

2 weeks ago 46

Manchester City's Rodri defeated Vinicius Junior to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or award nearly two weeks ago, but it was full of drama
Many felt the Real Madrid winger was robbed, saying he deserved it for leading his club to La Liga and Champions League glory
The Spain midfielder has criticised the Brazil winger and Real Madrid for refusing to turn up to the ceremony

Rodri has criticised Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid for refusing to attend the 2024 Ballon d'Or awards ceremony.

The Manchester City and Spain midfielder beat the Brazilian to win the award on October 28, eliciting strong reactions from fans.

Vinicius Junior was widely expected to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Rodri

Vinicius skips Ballon d'Or ceremony

Vinicius Jr. was considered the favourite to win this year's award after leading Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League glory.

A leak revealed that Rodri would win the award, forcing the Real Madrid delegation to cancel their trip to the party.

Many fans claimed that the Brazil winger was robbed and that Rodri didn't deserve to win the award. Vinicius Jr. appeared to call out the award organisers after finishing second.

Furthermore, pundits and former players criticised Vinicius Jr.'s reaction to losing the award, feeling he should have attended and congratulated Rodri.

Rodri calls out Vinicius Jr

Speaking to France Football, the organisers of the Ballon d'Or, Rodri suggested that he would've attended if he hadn't won.

"I have to respect everyone's decision. Although I wouldn’t have acted the same way. But they do what they want," he said via BeIn Sports. "When your talent is recognized at a high level, it’s worth attending, whether you win or not.""You have to know how to win, but knowing how to lose is just as important."

The Euro 2024 winner said he didn't know he was going to win when he travelled to France.

The 28-year-old played a role in Man City's treble in the 2022/23 season and their historic fourth straight Premier League title last season. He also led Spain to European glory.