It’s now official: Rodri has been awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or by France Football, beating out Real Madrid stars Vinicius Jr, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal. This announcement, which had created significant anticipation, was marked by a notable response from Vinicius Jr, who was widely regarded as the clear favorite for the prestigious accolade.
The decision surprised many, and awarding the Ballon d’Or to Rodri stirred reactions within the Madrid camp, particularly from former Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos. Known for his straightforward nature, Kroos expressed his opposition to individual awards during an Icon League event in Germany, reaffirming his loyalty to collective sports values. “All the hype around this trophy is exaggerated and overrated. I’ve always thought it was not that important,” he stated, criticizing the very concept of the Ballon d’Or.
Kroos backs Vinicius Jr for the award
Despite his stance on individual honors, Kroos openly supported Vinicius Jr, saying he would have voted for him without hesitation. “Since this trophy exists, to me, it would have only made sense for Vini to take it,” he added, echoing the disappointment of many fans.
On Instagram, Kroos shared symbolic photos with Vinicius, capturing their on-field camaraderie, notably during the Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich. Under the image, Kroos wrote “The Best,” a powerful declaration that immediately prompted an affectionate response from Vinicius: “I love you, Antonio!!” accompanied by a white heart, a nod to Real Madrid’s iconic color.
Vinicius Jr’s absence at the ceremony fuels speculation
Absent from the Ballon d’Or ceremony, Vinicius Jr indirectly validated Kroos’s stance, intensifying discussions about the decision. The Brazilian forward, who had a standout season in La Liga and the Champions League, subtly suggested that he deserved the trophy, feeling that despite Rodri’s key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, his own performances were unmatched.
For Real Madrid and its fans, this result leaves a bitter aftertaste, reinforcing the idea of a Ballon d’Or perpetually under scrutiny and reigniting debates about the place of individual awards in football.
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