Vinicius Jr and Rodri look set to battle it out for the Ballon d’Or on Monday night.
It seemed like Vinicius was the favourite to make history and become the first Real Madrid player since Karim Benzema to win the award.
The Daily Mail published a leaked document where Rodri had finished in second place behind the Brazilian as well — with Erling Haaland and Phil Foden being ranked in sixth and eighth place respectively.
Gary Lineker discussed Rodri’s Ballon d’Or prospects by claiming that because Manchester City lost to Real Madrid on penalties in the quarter-finals of the Champions League last season, he could well not win the award.
Big names in the sport such as Lothar Mathaus feels Rodri should beat Vinicius to the Ballon d’Or this year.
Cesc Fabregas claimed Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or over the two-time Champions League winner as well.
Gabby Agbonlahor felt Rodri outperformed Vinicius and deserved the Ballon d’Or as well.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Vinicius Jr camp ‘convinced’ Rodri will win the Ballon d’Or
Rodri admitted winning the Ballon d’Or would be a “dream” for him and an achievement he would tell his future children about.
However, Vinicius certainly poses tough competition for the midfield maestro due to how remarkable he was for Real Madrid last season coupled with the fact that he scored in the Champions League final.
Journalist Fabrice Hawkins has revealed that the Los Blancos superstar’s camp are “convinced” that he will not win the Ballon d’Or, suggesting that Rodri will take home the accolade instead.
Hawkins added that “everyone in Madrid” feels the same way.
The reputed journalist has also revealed that Real Madrid’s directors are “furious” as they were confident that Vinicius would win the award.
The club have decided to cancel their trip to the Ballon d’Or ceremony and instead, they will remain in Spain.
Rodri was spotted in Paris as he was getting prepared to attend the ceremony despite being on crutches.
Thierry Henry said Rodri deserves Ballon d’Or over Vinicius
Thierry Henry named Rodri over Vinicius as his Ballon d’Or winner due to being superior for Spain in at Euro 2024 comparison to the latter for Brazil at Copa America.
“Rodri because I wanted the Xavi and the [Andres] Iniesta when they were performing, people forget about the midfielders and what they do and they’re the heart of the team and he was the heart of Man City, I know they didn’t win the Champions League but he won the Euros.”
“Vinicius Jr didn’t perform at the Copa America. But is he a worthy winner? Yes. He’s outstanding. I keep on saying, for me, right now, as a forward, the best in the world so he deserves it.”
Ultimately, Henry’s argument cannot be refuted.
Rodri was phenomenal for both Manchester City and Spain, while Vinicius only set the world alight for Real Madrid while missing a penalty in Brazil’s defeat to Uruguay in the quarter-final of the Copa American against Uruguay.
If the 28-year-old does win the Ballon d’Or, his triumph will not only be a historic moment for Manchester City but also the Premier League.
