The 2024 Ballon d’Or award is still causing controversy. Four days after Rodri won the award in Paris, a journalist revealed the surreal reason why he preferred to vote for Rodri rather than Vinicius Jr.
For many, Vinicius Jr was last season’s best player. Winner of La Liga, the Spanish Supercup and the Champions League, the Auriverde international clearly crushed the competition. However, his achievements were not enough for the Golden Ball judges. Instead, they opted for Rodri, who was impressive at Euro 2024 with La Roja.
Although he has only won the Premier League at club level with Manchester City, the Spanish international was considered by the majority of journalists to be the best player in the world. “I’ve had an incredible evening. I have a lot of people to thank. I’d like to thank France Football and UEFA for this award. I’d like to thank everyone who voted for me. It’s a very special moment for me, my family and my country. I would also like to thank my partner, Laura. Today is our wedding anniversary. I’d like to thank you for taking part in this adventure. It’s thanks to you that it happened. I would be nothing without my family. They have instilled in me the values that have shaped my life. They helped me become the man I am today. Thanks to Pablo, my agent. Who would have thought, Pablo, that we would have come to this? Thanks to my friends for their support. I don’t want to forget my team-mates at Manchester City. Without them, this prize would not have been possible. I’m at the best club in the world. I’d also like to thank the Spanish national team,” explained Rodri at the Théâtre du Châtelet after winning the 2024 Golden Ball.
A university degree and no social networks, questionable criteria
Polish journalist Maciej Iwanski, one of the Ballon d’Or voters, surprised everyone by revealing his selection criteria. According to him, his vote in favour of Rodri was based on non-sporting factors. “I chose Rodri for his class and fair play. He doesn’t have any social networks, he’s a university graduate and he’s very humble,’ he said in comments relayed by Defensa Central. Naturally, his comments quickly caught fire on the web.
🇵🇱🗣️ Maciej Iwanski, électeur polonais du Ballon d'Or :
— 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐡𝐚𝐦 (@wrestlemadrid) November 1, 2024
« J'ai choisi Rodri pour sa classe et son fair-play. Il n'a aucun réseau social, est diplômé de l'université et a une grande humilité. »
Oui oui vous avez bien lu. Zéro vanne. pic.twitter.com/XR8xRYVFuS
To argue that a university degree and the absence of social networks influence such an emblematic decision is a difficult angle to defend. In the face of criticism, some have tried to explain Rodri’s victory by reference to his Premier League triumph and his impact on La Roja at the UEFA EURO. But this argument, which might seem sound at first glance, falls apart if you look at the facts. Carvajal, also a European and Champions League winner, would have been just as deserving of the award by that logic.
Leave a Reply