“Football is for everyone, not just Real Madrid - they are so entitled” - Sergio Aguero aims dig at Los Blancos for Ballon d’or boycott

Former Manchester City star Sergio Aguero has hit out at Real Madrid for failing to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony. The Argentine striker stated that Los Blancos' decision to boycott the ceremony indicated their entitlement.

Speaking on his channel on Twitch, Aguero said:

“Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the world."

“Football is for everyone, not just Real Madrid – they are so entitled."

This comes after a late decision from the European champions to boycott the gala in Paris after reports arose that the Ballon d'Or would be awarded to Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Vinicius Jr was believed to be the frontrunner for the trophy but a last-minute change saw Los Blancos decide against making the trip.

A fantastic season both at club and international level for Rodri saw him become the first defensive midfielder since Lothar Matthaus in 1990 to win the award. The 28-year-old won the Premier League with the Cityzens while also lifting the 2024 Euros with Spain.

LaLiga chief makes scathing remark about Real Madrid amidst Ballon d'Or controversy

LaLiga president Javier Tebas has blasted Real Madrid for their lack of class after the club failed to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony. Tebas opined that Los Blancos exhibited a lack of elegance, saying (via French outlet L'Equipe):

"I'm a Madrid fan. The important values of this club are to be a gentleman and to shake hands when you lose. I think Real Madrid lost that mentality a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned the France Football system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting."

"Real Madrid's victimhood doesn't have to be and it is exaggerated. I don't know where they're going. We also experience this lack of elegance in Spain."

After months of speculation that Brazilian star Vinicius Jr would be the recipient of the Ballon d'Or, the award was eventually handed to Rodri. The Spanish giants later put out a statement claiming that the club felt disrespected over the incident.

Despite the snub, they had an impressive showing at the gala after a successful previous campaign where they won LaLiga and the Champions League. Four of their players - Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal and Toni Kroos - made up the top six. In addition, Carlo Ancelotti was named the best men's head coach while Los Blancos were also named the men's team of the year.