Manchester City fans were left elated just over a week ago when Rodri took home the Ballon d’Or.
The midfielder won the biggest individual prize on offer in football, beating off competition from Vinicius Jr.
Vinicius had been tipped to win a couple of weeks prior to the ceremony. But the Brazilian discovered on the day of the award that he would not be winning.
Vinicius did not attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and neither did anyone from Real Madrid.
Earlier this week, Carlo Ancelotti left fans irritated with his response to Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or, with some feeling he didn’t properly acknowledge the Spaniard.
Many people feel Vinicius should have won, and one man who would have been happy to see that happen is Rio Ferdinand, who was the subject of a viral clip last season.
But the former defender spoke about Rodri on TNT Sports last night and insisted he deserved to win.
Rio Ferdinand claims Man City midfielder Rodri deserved to win the Ballon d’Or
Fans were thrilled to see Rodri become the first-ever Manchester City winner of the Ballon d’Or, having been so consistently brilliant for such a long time.
The Manchester City star is absolutely integral to the team, and that is becoming more and more apparent with every game he does not play.
Ahead of last night’s Champions League game with Sporting CP, TNT Sports did a segment on the Ballon d’Or, and played Rio Ferdinand the clip of when he reacted to Vinicius Jr scoring in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
Ferdinand repeatedly said ‘Ballon d’Or’ after Vinicius had scored.
Asked why £63 million star Rodri ended up winning, Ferdinand said: “I think the fact Spain won the Euros (was a big reason), and Vinicius didn’t really perform at the Copa America.
“What I would say, I’m not against Rodri winning it. Rodri is a phenomenal footballer, I love him. He’s the best midfielder in the world, the best at what he does, the best conductor in the game. I’m not against him winning it at all.
“My personal preference when I look at the Ballon d’Or is the person who’s the maverick. Someone who gets you off your seat, gets you screaming.
“At no point have I ever said, or am I ever saying, that Rodri is undeserving of this title because he’s a phenomenal footballer.”
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rodri was a deserving winner of the Ballon d’Or
Many people will probably share the sentiments of Ferdinand about the Ballon d’Or and prefer to see someone who is more of a ‘maverick’ win.
But no one can turn around and argue that City’s maestro didn’t deserve to win it.
Rodri deserved to win the Ballon d’Or because he has been truly revolutionary in the defensive midfield position, and has performed to levels we just haven’t seen from anyone else in the modern game.
| Rodri for Man City in 2023/24 |
| Appearances – 50 |
| Goals – 9 |
| Assists – 14 |
| Yellow/red cards – 10/1 |
| Trophies won – 3 |
He dominates every game he plays, provides protection for the defenders and also contributes in the final third.
He’s a big-game player, and it is amazing that he was acknowledged for the grandest individual prize on offer.
