Real Madrid icon Toni Kroos responds after Fabrizio Romano raises ‘what would you change from 2024 Ballon d’Or rankings?’ question
Real Madrid legend Toni Kroos has questioned the Ballon d'Or rankings following the awards ceremony on Monday, October 28. Manchester City's Rodri was handed the coveted prize at the Theatre du Chatalet, with Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham finishing second and third, respectively.
The Brazilian was considered this year's frontrunner for the biggest individual prize in football. Vinicius was in explosive form last season for Los Blancos, registering 24 goals and 11 assists from 39 games across competitions.
The 24-year-old's efforts powered the Spanish giants to a league and Champions League double. They also won the Supercopa de Espana. As such, Real Madrid felt undone by the decision to hand the 2024 Ballon d'Or to Rodri and skipped Monday's ceremony in protest.
Following the announcement of the final rankings, acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano asked his followers on social media if they would change anything from the rankings. Toni Kroos' response made his feelings quite clear.
The legendary German midfielder commented:
"Where do we start?"
However, Rodri's achievements cannot be taken lightly either. The defensive midfielder won the Premier League and the UEFA Super Cup with Manchester City last season, finishing the campaign with nine goals and 14 assists from 50 games.
Rodri went on to guide Spain to the Euro 2024 title, further establishing himself as one of the best midfielders in the world. However, France Football's decision to hand the Spaniard this year's Ballon d'Or has given rise to tremendous controversy. Meanwhile, Real Madrid's absence from the ceremony has also drawn criticism.
How many Real Madrid players have won the Ballon d'Or?
Eight Real Madrid players have won the Ballon d'Or since the award's inception in 1956. Los Blancos are the most represented club in the history of the coveted prize, followed by Barcelona, who have six winners.
Cristiano Ronaldo won the award four times (2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017) during his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu. He is only the second Real Madrid player to win it multiple times after the legendary Alfredo di Stefano (1957 and 1959). The Portuguese superstar won his maiden Ballon d'Or award in 2008 while at Manchester United.
Other recent winners include Karim Benzema in 2022 and Luka Modric in 2018. Fabio Cannavaro won the coveted prize in 2006, four years after Ronaldo Nazario, who also won it with Inter Milan in 1997.
Luis Figo won the Ballon d'Or in 2000, while Raymond Kopa lifted the award in 1958. Vinicius Junior came close to adding to that tally this year and would have been only the fifth Brazilian to win the prize.