“I didn’t miss Vinicius not congratulating me” - Rodri makes feelings clear about Real Madrid star after Ballon d'Or controversy

Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has shared his feelings about Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr's reaction to him winning the award. This year, the Spanish midfielder beat the Brazilian forward to the award in Paris to polarized reactions across the footballing world.

Rodri was the first Spaniard since Luis Suarez in 1960 to claim the prize and was rewarded for his consistency and achievements in the 2023-24 season. Following news that the Manchester-based midfielder won the award, Vini Jr and Los Blancos opted to boycott the award ceremony in Paris.

In a recent interview with COPE, the 28-year-old revealed that he had not been congratulated by his closest contender for the prize, saying (via Madrid Universal):

“I didn’t miss Vinicius not congratulating me. I care about my people, my family and my club. I wouldn’t have done what Real Madrid did by not showing up to the gala, but there’s no point in thinking about it anymore."

Rodri is currently set to miss the rest of the campaign after suffering an ACL injury. He is the first player in the Premier League to win the Ballon d'Or since Cristiano Ronaldo won the award in 2008.

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Rodri shares feelings about Real Madrid boycotting the Ballon d'Or ceremony

The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner revealed that he was not hurt by Real Madrid's absence at the award ceremony. The Spanish giants opted to boycott the gala in Paris after they discovered the Spaniard claimed the award over their Brazilian forward, Vinicius Jr.

The midfielder became only the third player outside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to claim the award in the last 16 editions. His dependability in the base of midfield helped Manchester City to the league and his country to Euro 2024 in the period under consideration.

In the aforementioned interview, the midfielder revealed he was not concerned by one of the biggest clubs in his homeland boycotting his win in protest, saying:

“It didn’t hurt me that they weren’t present. I have to respect everyone’s decision although I wouldn’t have acted the same way. But they do what they want.”

Rodri joined Manchester City in 2019 for a reported €70 million deal from Atletico Madrid. He has gone on to make 260 appearances for the Cityzens, scoring 26 goals while setting up 30 as a defensive midfielder.