Paris: In a surprising turn, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, marking a major achievement after helping his club to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and his national team to Euro 2024 victory. His win, however, was marred by Real Madrid’s boycott of the Paris ceremony. The Spanish club, upset that Vinicius Junior, a strong pre-ceremony favorite, did not receive the honor, made its absence clear shortly before the event began. According to Real Madrid, if Vinicius wasn’t awarded the title, teammate Dani Carvajal should have been considered, underscoring what they see as a bias against their players.
Rodri, an essential figure for Manchester City and Spain, is recognized for his consistency, on-field intelligence, and the balance he brings to his teams, which City manager Pep Guardiola praised by calling him “irreplaceable.” His goal in the 2023 Champions League final was pivotal in helping City secure the title, and his decisive performances in Euro 2024 added to his growing legacy. The Ballon d’Or, awarded by a jury of 100 international sports journalists, has come under scrutiny after the apparent leak of the winner’s name, prompting Real Madrid’s decision to abstain from the event.
In the women’s category, Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmati celebrated her second consecutive Ballon d’Or win after a stellar season where she led her club to four major titles and helped Spain win the Nations League. Rodri’s contribution to City’s dominant run was also noted, as he had remained unbeaten in 52 Premier League appearances until an ACL injury sidelined him in September, impacting City’s pursuit of a fifth consecutive domestic title.
