Rodri breaks silence on Real Madrid’s decision to boycott Ballon d’Or ceremony | OneFootball

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has opened up on Real Madrid’s decision to boycott the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony upon being notified of the Spaniard’s triumph.

The 28-year-old made history earlier this week by becoming the first player from the Etihad Stadium to claim the award that recognises the best footballer on the planet over the last 12 months for both club and country.

In claiming the prize, Rodri also became the first traditional defensive midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since German footballing icon and legend Lothar Matthaus, although many will point out that the Manchester City star is much more than a player of that role.

However, much of the talk surrounding the ceremony both in the build-up and aftermath centred around Real Madrid, and the Spanish club’s decision to boycott the evening having found out that Vinicius Jr would not be claiming the prize ahead of Rodri.

The stance taken by the La Liga club was a stark contrast to Manchester City just one year prior, when many had tipped Erling Haaland to claim the prize only to be beaten by Lionel Messi, with all of the Premier League champions’ delegation still in attendance in Paris.

Speaking to reporters in the French capital on Monday night, Rodri informed them of his acceptance of Real Madrid’s decision, and insisting that his focus remained on those in attendance who wished him messages of congratulations.

“They have their decision. They didn’t want to be here for their reasons. I accept that”, said Rodri earlier this week.

“I just focus on my club and my team-mates and the people who are here and happy to congratulate me and that’s it.”

The Manchester City midfielder did however reveal that one member of Real Madrid’s squad sent him a personal phone call after his success in Paris, wishing him congratulations after the pair remain sidelined through injury following their heroics for Spain at Euro2024.

“I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me,” said Rodri. “I wanted to remember him as he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine; teamwork, loving a club, giving everything. We share many things, we’ve been brought together more by injury.”

Reports in Spain have also since claimed that many within the Barcelona camp celebrated Rodri’s success internally, largely due to his contributions to the country at the European Championships, but also for defeating Vinicius Jr to the prize.