Manchester City midfielder Rodri recently expressed his disapproval regarding Real Madrid’s decision to completely abstain from attending the Ballon d’Or ceremony. Rodri, who was honored with the prestigious award, remarked that he “cannot respect the decision” made by the Spanish football giants. The 27-year-old was among the frontrunners for the coveted accolade, which is typically regarded as the highest individual honor in football, yet he acknowledged that fellow Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior was also a prime candidate. There had been widespread anticipation among supporters and representatives of the club that Vinicius would be victorious, making it all the more surprising when he did not secure the trophy.
The absence of Real Madrid at the ceremony, held in Paris, has led to speculation that their boycott was directly linked to Vinicius Junior’s failure to win the award. The football world is often characterized by intense rivalries and competitive spirit, and it seems that Madrid’s snub was a form of protest against the outcome. Rodri noted the importance of celebrating achievements and acknowledged that he certainly feels pride in winning the Ballon d’Or during a monumental phase of his career, particularly after playing a pivotal role in Manchester City’s recent successes.
As for Rodri himself, his current situation is quite challenging. He sustained a serious anterior-cruciate ligament injury during a tense match against Arsenal, which ended in a 2-2 draw. This setback is expected to rule him out for the remainder of the current season, presenting a difficult hurdle for the talented midfielder. Rodri, however, is determined to maintain a positive outlook despite the setback. He reflected on the profound emotions associated with winning the award during a tumultuous time in his career that also coincided with his injury. He spoke candidly about the dualities of life in sport, emphasizing that while winning is vital, learning how to lose with grace is equally important.
“I have lived the best and worst part of my career with the Ballon d’Or and then injury, but it gives me oxygen to come back again in a good way,” Rodri remarked. His forthright approach to discussing both the triumph of winning and the challenge of injury displays a depth of character. He is keenly aware of the historical significance of the Ballon d’Or, especially as he remarked upon the fact that very few have achieved the honor in his generation, primarily dominated by legends such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Despite his injury, Rodri remains resolute about his goal to make a return before the season concludes. He underscored the importance of not succumbing to pressure while focusing on his rehabilitation. “My target is to come back this season,” declared Rodri, illustrating his non-defeatist attitude. He mentioned an optimistic recovery trajectory, aiming for a comeback timeline of approximately six to seven months. “I am doing much better than I thought. I am enjoying the rest, if it is possible to say it that way,” he added, conveying a mix of hopefulness and realism about the rehabilitation process.
Reflecting on the initial phase of his injury, Rodri shared that the first month and a half was particularly difficult due to pain and mobility challenges, yet he feels progress is being made. His insights reveal a well-rounded understanding of the excruciating nature of recovery from serious injuries while maintaining a hopeful vision for the future. The ongoing support from his club, his family, and the fans has undoubtedly played a pivotal role in fostering that positivity, underscoring the collective spirit that drives players in the high-stakes world of professional football.
