"Anyone who is nominated can win" - Real Madrid legend Figo speaks up on Rodri winning 2024 Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinicius Jr

Real Madrid legend Luis Figo has opened up on the 2024 Ballon d'Or title race, which was won by Manchester City superstar Rodri ahead of Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. The former Portuguese forward claimed that the awarding of the prestigious award was 'fair', adding that no one should 'doubt the value' of the Spaniard's performances last season.

During the voting procedure, Rodri amassed a total of 1,170 points, putting him just 41 points ahead of Vini Jr. After leaked results confirmed the 24-year-old's snub, Real Madrid boycotted the award ceremony altogether.

Many fans and pundits have claimed that Vinicius was 'robbed' of the elusive Ballon d'Or title. Vini's 24 goals and 11 assists in 39 appearances at club level helped Los Blancos win LaLiga, Supercopa de Espana and the UEFA Champions League.

With Brazil, however, he fell short at the 2024 Copa America, with his two goals in three games not enough to help the Selecao past the quarter-finals.

On the other hand, Rodri enjoyed an outstanding campaign at club and international level, racking up 10 goals and 14 assists in 57 appearances across all competitions. He won the Premier League with City and Euro 2024 with Spain, being named Player of the Tournament in the latter.

Figo asserted that the Manchester City man deserved respect after his stellar season. Speaking at a LaLiga and EA Sports event, the 52-year-old said (via Madrid Universal h/t SPORT):

"We should not doubt the value of what the Manchester City player did last season, I think it was fair. It is a vote of more than 100 journalists based on certain parameters and the decision must be respected. Anyone who is nominated can win. Logically, those who don't do it are sad but I think we shouldn't doubt the value of what the winner did last season."

"It's the DNA that the club has" - Real Madrid legend Luis Figo makes claim amid Spanish giants' poor form

Real Madrid icon Luis Figo has claimed that determination and resilience are the core of the club's 'DNA'. The ex-Portuguese attacker called Los Merengues 'one of the best teams in the world' whose coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is 'used to winning'.

While Real are hot on bitter rivals Barcelona's heels in LaLiga, they are struggling in the UEFA Champions League. With three wins and three losses after six rounds of fixtures, they are languishing in 20th place and face the risk of elimination from the competition.

At a LaLiga and EA Sports event, Figo praised the club's fightback and called Ancelotti a serial winner. He said (via Madrid Universal h/t SPORT)

"In the world of football, you can get sticks or praise depending on the results. It's [resilience] the DNA that the club has. Madrid are one of the best teams in the world and you always have to keep that in mind. He's [Ancelotti] used to winning."

Real Madrid will next be in action against Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga on Saturday, December 14.