"Based on marketing, money and advertising" - When Manchester City star Rodri called out Ballon d'Or following snub in 2023

After failing to win the 2023 Ballon d'Or, Manchester City superstar Rodri called out the award's organizers. He notably came fifth in the rankings last year but looks to be on the verge of winning the award this time around.

In February 2024, Rodri had an interview with The Mirror, where he discussed his 2023 ranking and questioned the final vote that saw Lionel Messi clinch the award. The midfielder said (via Daily Mail):

"I am not surprised.. This is normal. I understand very well how things work in these individual awards. They are based on marketing, money and advertising."

He hinted at players like Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta, who both failed to win the coveted award, adding:

"There have been midfielders before who were also Spanish who did not get what they deserved. Do you understand what I mean? What ultimately matters to me in football Is what I achieved collectively."

Ahead of the 2023 Ballon d'Or, Rodri notably led Manchester City to win the continental treble. He was instrumental in their impressive 2022-23 season, playing 56 games in all competitions, scoring four goals and providing seven assists. One of the goals he scored was the winner in the UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan.

This time around, though, he has been nominated for the Ballon d'Or once more, and he looks like a strong contender to win the coveted award.

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Manchester City star Rico Lewis calls for Rodri to win 2024 Ballon d'Or

Rodri's Manchester City teammate Rico Lewis has called for the Ballon d'Or to award the 28-year-old Spanish midfielder. Last season, Rodri helped the Cityzens win their fourth Premier League title in a row, then helped Spain clinch the Euro 2024 trophy.

In a conversation with TNT Sports, Rico Lewis called Rodri a complete player, saying (via Eurosport):

"Maybe it’s a bit biased, but I think Rodri should win it. In the year, he’s been the most complete football player. It’s so difficult for a defensive midfielder to get forward and score the goals or assists, but also control the game like he does and be such a vital player in a massive team like City.

"He’s won the trophies; he’s won the trophies with Spain as well. For a player like him to also get the goals and assists, it’s a no-brainer for me. Let’s see what happens."

Last season, Rodri scored nine goals and provided 14 assists in 50 games across all competitions.