Madrid Players fume as Rodri celebrates Ballon d'Or win

Rodri wins Ballon d'Or, dedicates it to Spanish football legends, as Real Madrid boycotts event in protest over Vinicius Jr.'s snub.

Rodri lifts his Ballon d'Or in celebration on Monday after beating Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. to the award at a lavish event in Paris, France. (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodrigo of Spain and Manchester City dedicated his award to the Spanish players who were denied the opportunity to win it due to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

"Today is not a victory for me; it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, and so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder," Rodri said on stage at the ceremony.

"Today, numerous friends have written to me, expressing that football has succeeded in bringing attention to numerous midfielders who previously worked in the shadows, and now their contributions are becoming more visible." Rodri beats the Real Madrid duo of Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the prestigious award.

Earlier in the day, Real Madrid announced that no club player or official would attend the award ceremony after learning that Vini Jr. would not be receiving the award. 

Despite hearing that the club would win both the club of the year and the manager of the year awards, they stuck to their boycott plan.

Real Madrid players took to their social media accounts to show support for their teammate Vini Jr., with Eduardo Camavinga leading the line with a strong message that reads: “FOOTBALL POLITICS X. My brother, you are the best player in the world, and no award can say otherwise. Love you, my brother."

FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌

My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p

— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024

Rodri was filled with emotion as he approached the podium on crutches, recuperating from a season-ending ACL injury. "A very special day, for me, my family, and my country," Rodri said as he fielded questions from Didier Drogba, who was one of the hosts for the lavish event.

"I understand that because I don't use social media, people don't know much about me." I am just a normal guy. I enjoy the sport; I enjoy my profession. And I try to be a decent person. I am a quiet person." Rodri became the first Premier League player to win the award since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

Some Real Madrid players' posts on X

FOOTBALL POLITICS ❌

My brother you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. Love you my bro ❤️ pic.twitter.com/X3yAH1Sl0p

— Eduardo Camavinga (@Camavinga) October 28, 2024

Nothing will take away what you’ve achieved my brother. We ALL know…
They are not ready for what you’re gonna deliver. Love 👑🤍@vinijr pic.twitter.com/N23EgMZjU6

— Tchouameni Aurélien (@atchouameni) October 28, 2024