Pep Guardiola has managed to coach two players who have won a Ballon d’Or while playing under his guidance: Lionel Messi and Rodri.
Messi won the award for four years in a row between 2009 to 2012 during Guardiola’s spell at Barcelona.
Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or and become the first player to do so at Manchester City; considering George Weah joined the club after he had been handed the accolade at AC Milan.
Vinicius Jr did not congratulate Rodri on his Ballon d’Or win and instead fired a warning shot towards increasing his level of graft tenfold to win the award.
Erling Haaland congratulated Lionel Messi when he won the Ballon d’Or instead of making such statements on social media.
Eduardo Camavinga also took shots at Rodri’s Ballon d’Or triumph after he was announced as the winner.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Guardiola says Man City are unconcerned about Vini Jr’s Rodri Ballon d’Or boycott
Rodrygo and Toni Kroos aimed digs at Rodri’s accomplishment on Monday night as well.
However, Rodri was spotted celebrating after lifting the Ballon d’Or as he was surrounded by his loved ones, teammates and Manchester City’s delegation on a memorable night for him in Paris.
Pep Guardiola revealed that Real Madrid and Vinicius’ decision not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony is of no concern to Manchester City.
Guardiola said via BeanymanSports: “Nothing to say. If they want to go, it’s fine, if they don’t want to go, it’s fine as well. So, they want to congratulate, it’s fine, they don’t want to do it, it’s fine as well. So, absolutely, Manchester City, we are not here to judge what other clubs decide to do.”
Pep Guardiola went on to congratulate Rodri on making history.
The Catalan tactician said: “What can I say? First, of course, congratulate him and all his family and dear friends. This is incredible news for him and of course, for all of us, for all of Manchester City, for all of our fans.”
“We are so proud of him. I think this is the first time [a Manchester City player has won the Ballon d’Or]. We couldn’t have imagined years ago that one player received this prestigious award. We are so delighted to be a part of this, to share it with him.”
“Hopefully, it can give him this energy to recover well to be with us next season.”
Rodri reacted to Vini Jr and Real Madrid boycotting Ballon d’Or
Rodri was unbothered by Vinicius’ Ballon d’Or boycott, much like Pep Guardiola.
The midfield maestro said: “They have their decision. They didn’t want to be here for their reasons. I accept that.”
“I just focus on my club and my teammates and the people who are here and happy to congratulate me and that’s it.”
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or acceptance speech was one where he simply seemed thankful to have hit such an incredible height in his career.
Fernandinho and Aymeric Laporte hailed Rodri as he seems to be getting praised by several influential footballing figures after his latest achievement.
Earlier this month, it was claimed Real Madrid are keen on signing Rodri in the summer, despite not being particularly hopeful about their chances as they doubt he will be available next year.
Rodri played down his links to Real Madrid before he suffered a season-ending ACL injury.
Whether the Spanish international’s chances of heading to Carlo Ancelotti’s side have further decreased due to how they reacted to his Ballon d’Or win seems like a logical feeling to have.
