Rodri Shocks Fans with Ballon d’Or Win Over Vinícius
For months, football enthusiasts were abuzz with predictions that Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr. would finally claim his first Ballon d’Or. However, when Manchester City’s Rodri was announced as the winner, many fans were left stunned. The Ballon d’Or always brings its share of drama and controversy, and this year was no different.
Here are the top reasons Vinícius missed out, and why the trophy went to Rodri.
Reason #1: International Performances Over Club Success
The Ballon d’Or has long been a blend of individual and team performances, but recently, international achievements have taken precedence. Last year, Lionel Messi won his eighth Ballon d’Or largely due to his World Cup victory with Argentina, despite Erling Haaland’s impressive season with a treble-winning Manchester City.
This year seems to follow the same pattern, as Rodri’s contributions to Spain’s Euro triumph added significant weight to his candidacy. In contrast, Vinícius, while instrumental in Real Madrid’s La Liga and Champions League victories, saw Brazil exit early from the Copa América, losing to Uruguay. This difference might have tilted the balance in Rodri’s favor.
Reason #2: Splitting Votes with Bellingham and Carvajal
Vinícius Jr.’s incredible season was bolstered by the remarkable performances of his teammates, including Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal. Bellingham, especially, enjoyed a phenomenal first season at Madrid, scoring 16 goals and contributing 5 assists in the first half alone. His standout play sometimes overshadowed Vinícius, particularly at the start of the season, which may have split votes and ultimately impacted both players’ Ballon d’Or chances.
Reason #3: The Ballon d’Or’s Third Voting Rule – Player Behavior
Three key factors drive Ballon d’Or voting: individual performances, team success, and player behavior. While Vinícius may have excelled in the first two, his on-field conduct has stirred mixed opinions. Known for his passionate style, some of his celebrations and interactions with opponents have been seen as taunting. In contrast, Rodri’s humble, reserved demeanor won him favor among fans and jurors, potentially making him the more universally appealing choice.
Reason #4: Real Madrid’s Tensions with UEFA
UEFA plays a significant role in organizing the Ballon d’Or, and it’s no secret that the organization has had tensions with Real Madrid due to the Super League controversy. Reports suggest UEFA didn’t inform Real Madrid about Vinícius’s Ballon d’Or loss; it was Manchester City that conveyed the news. Real Madrid’s president, Florentino Perez, responded by boycotting the ceremony, and no one from the club attended. These underlying tensions could have subtly influenced the award’s outcome.
Reason #5: Rodri’s Age and Position Boost
Rodri’s win might also reflect jurors’ desire to reward a veteran midfielder, especially given that most Ballon d’Or winners are attackers. At 28, Rodri’s profile as a disciplined CDM who helped power City’s treble-winning season set him apart. With Vinícius being only 24, many believe he’ll have more chances in the future to claim the Ballon d’Or.
While these factors may explain the choice, there’s no doubt Vinícius remains a top contender for future accolades.
Do you think Vinícius deserved the Ballon d’Or more than Rodri? Share your thoughts in the comments. And if you enjoyed this breakdown, don’t forget to give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and turn on notifications so you’ll never miss our next analysis!
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