Pep Guardiola shared his thoughts on Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, stating no “elite group” makes unilateral decisions on who should be crowned the best footballer in the world.
Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior was heavily tipped as a favourite to win the award, however, hours before the ceremony, the Spanish giants decided the delegation will not attend due to a whispers their Brazilian star would not take home the award.
Rodri eventually confirmed as the winner after helping Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and a standout performer in Spain’s Euro 2024 win.
Speaking at a press conference before City’s League Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur, Guardiola expressed delight at his midfielder’s triumph.
“What can I say? First, to congratulate him and all his family and their friends, it’s incredible news for him and for all of us.”
Rodri suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in September, effectively sidelining him out for the rest of the season.
Guardiola continued: “Us at Manchester City are so proud of him. We are so proud to share it with him and hopefully, it can give him energy to recover well for next season.”
Speaking on Real’s decision to boycott the awards ceremony, even though they were named men’s team of the year, Guardiola added: “It’s up to them. If they want to congratulate, that’s fine. If not, that’s fine. Last season, Erling [Haaland] won the treble, more than 50 goals.
“I said to him just being there he should be so, so happy and I said the same to Rodri.
“Last season, Erling should win, yes. Should (eventual winner Lionel) Messi have won? Yes. It doesn’t matter.
“Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It’s not an elite group, it’s journalists who vote.
“In the last decade, Spanish football has made such a difference, won a World Cup, Euros, and [Spanish players] weren’t able to win this award,” the former Barcelona player and manager concluded.
The men’s and women’s Ballon d’Or winners are chosen from the shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.
The organisers, the Amaury group which owns the L’Equipe sports daily and France Football magazine, insisted that “no player or club” knew in advance who had won.
