Real Madrid boycotted the award ceremony in an apparent protest as their forward Vinicius Jr did not win the award despite being the frontrunner.
Spanish midfielders Rodri and Aitana Bonmati have won the men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best footballers in a star-studded ceremony in Paris that was snubbed by Real Madrid.
The 28-year-old Rodri won the prestigious award for the first time on Monday, after helping Manchester City win the Premier League and being a key player in Spain’s European Championship triumph in July.
He succeeded eight-time winner Lionel Messi of Argentina and beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior into second place, a result which greatly displeased the Spanish club. Madrid and their players stayed away from the ceremony and vented their feelings on social media.
Neither Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo — winners of the prestigious individual award a combined 13 times — were in the running for this year’s prize for the first time since 2003.
Rodri was overcome with emotions when his name was read out by former winner George Weah, putting his hands over his face.
“Incredible night for me,” said Rodri, who is out for the season with injury and arrived on crutches to the ceremony. “One of my key things is I always try to improve every game.”
Known as a hard-working and unselfish player despite his abilities, Rodri was quick to deflect praise to others.
“I just want to say thank you again to the people who recognise my value in the game,” he said. “When I was a kid I never thought of winning the Ballon d’Or, but in the last years I’ve been playing the highest level.”
While Rodri is not a flamboyant player or a prolific scorer like Messi and Ronaldo, he had a huge influence on City’s team with his ability to protect the defence and distribute passes cleanly from the back.
“I try to be a leader and try to improve every day from the best,” Rodri said.
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