Manchester City midfielder Rodri seems to be one of the most divisive winners of a Ballon d’Or in recent memory.
Gavi congratulated Rodri on winning the Ballon d’Or and felt it much a “deserved” victory for his countryman.
Pablo Zabaleta took to X to make the same claim as the Barcelona youngster about the Manchester City maestro.
Pep Guardiola hailed Rodri as well for becoming the first-ever player to win the Ballon d’Or at City.
However, Toni Kroos reacted to Rodri’s triumph by suggesting that the main facet of the 30-man shortlist that could have been altered is the player who finished in first place.
Eduardo Camavinga was furious at Rodri being named as the Ballon d’Or winner over Vinicius Jr, much like Kroos seemed to be.
Andres Iniesta says Rodri “more than deserved” to win the Ballon d’Or
Rodri has managed to win the most prestigious individual award in football unlike several legendary midfielders and other players across different positions of the past.
The 28-year-old’s name will forever be etched in the history books after he lifted the trophy in Paris.
However, Andres Iniesta feels Rodri merited winning the Ballon d’Or, writing on X: “More than deserved. Congratulations, Rodri”, followed by a ‘heart’ and ‘sparkling’ emoji.
Iniesta’s message to his former teammate in the Spanish national team is an indication that he disagrees with the likes of Toni Kroos and Camavinga.
Even if the World Cup winner’s claim was not meant as a response to either of the two, his stance is set in stone.
Previously, Andres Iniesta also hailed Phil Foden for winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award earlier this year.
The closest that the Barcelona legend came to winning the Ballon d’Or himself was in 2010 — finishing in second place behind Lionel Messi.
Rodri dedicated Ballon d’Or to Iniesta amongst other Spanish greats
During his acceptance speech, one of the players who Rodri dedicated his triumph to was Andres Iniesta.
The four-time Premier League winner stated that his victory was one for Spanish football and former players like Iniesta who did not win the Ballon d’Or but deserved to during their illustrious careers.
“Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.”
Seeing Andres Iniesta celebrate his special moment would have been an honour for Rodri.
For any Spanish player, let alone a midfielder specifically to receive Iniesta’s stamp of approval must be a dream come true.
Rodri is no different, who clearly holds Andres Iniesta in high esteem.
The retired technician’s statement was reflective of his class on and off the pitch.
