"The most difficult thing in football" - Rodri opens up on the one thing that helped him beat Real Madrid stars to 2024 Ballon d'Or award

Manchester City superstar Rodri has spoken about one thing that helped him pipped Real Madrid superstars Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham to the 2024 Ballon d’Or award. The Spaniard claimed that he won the coveted prize because he was the most consistent player during the period in review.

A lot of people expected Real Madrid talisman Vinicius Jr. to win the award, as reports emerged days before the event that he would take home the coveted prize. However, the turn of events left many Real Madrid and Brazil fans disappointed.

Rodri, 28, won the award following his amazing performances with Manchester City in the 2023-24 season where he won the Premier League and also played an integral role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. The Spanish defensive midfielder garnered 1170 points in the voting breakdown, 41 points more than second-placed Vinicius Jr. (1129) and 253 points more than Jude Bellingham (917).

While a lot of people are of the opinion that Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. was more deserving of the award, Rodri has defended his Ballon d’Or win, explaining why he was the right choice.

In an interview with El Partidazo de COPE, he said via Centre Goals:

"I won the Ballon d'Or because of consistency, which is the most difficult thing in football. I was the most CONSISTENT player in the season."

Rodri has been ruled out of the season after picking up an ACL injury during a Premier League clash with Arsenal in October. The Spaniard managed to make only three appearances this season.

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Rodri says he has no issues with Real Madrid and Vinicius over Ballon d’Or award

In the same interview, Rodri also revealed he is not hurt that Real Madrid and Vinicius didn’t attend the Ballon d’Or gala that took place on October 28 at the Châtelet Theatre in Paris. After Real Madrid learned that Vinicius wasn’t going to win the award, they decided to boycott the event.

Real Madrid also released a statement in response to the news of the star forward missing out on the award, saying they don’t go to a place where they are not respected.

Speaking to COPE, the Spaniard says he has no issues with Los Blancos and Vinicius not attending the event.

"Why would it hurt me [that Vinícius wasn't there]? It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I'd be thinking about is people who weren't there, and didn't want to participate," Rodri said via ESPN.

"I love that people vote what they feel. It's someone's opinion, I respect Vinícius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it ... I'd vote for Carvajal, and Vinícius too. Maybe Carvajal second," he added.