"The person who is the maverick" - Rio Ferdinand makes honest admission on Rodri winning Ballon d'Or ahead of Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr
Rio Ferdinand has made an honest admission about Manchester City midfielder Rodri's 2024 Ballon d'Or triumph over Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Notably, Los Blancos players and the manager skipped the ceremony as the Spaniard won the award.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand was one of many who backed the Brazilian winger to clinch the golden gong. He recently opened up about his thoughts on the same, telling TNT Sports (via GOAL):
"I think the fact that Spain won the Euros and obviously Vinicius didn't really perform in Copa America. But what I would say, is I am not against Rodri winning it. Rodri is a phenomenal footballer, I love him, I think he is the best midfielder in the world, the best conductor in the game and I am not against him winning it at all."
The former defender, however, went on to explain that the Ballon d'Or should have gone to the "maverick," adding:
"My personal preference, when I look at the Ballon d'Or is the person who is the maverick. Someone who gets you off your seat, gets you screaming in a stadium or at home on your sofa with a moment. Who is a match winner, who changes the game.
"So that's what my preference is, personally. But no point saying Rodri is undeserving of this title because he is a phenomenal footballer."
In the meantime, Vinicius Jr will have his sights set on next year's Ballon d'Or. He has already scored nine goals and provided seven assists in 16 games across competitions this season.
Real Madrid boss discusses Vinicius Jr after Ballon d'Or snub
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke about VInicius Jr's mindset after the Ballon d'Or snub. The Brazilian was instrumental in Los Blancos winning La Liga, the UEFA Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup last season.
However, he lost out to Rodri, who led Manchester City to the Premier League title and Spain to the Euro 2024 title. Carlo Ancelotti said in a media interaction that Vinicius Jr was not concerned about the Golden Ball, telling the press (via SI):
“Vinicius is sad, like us, but not because of the Ballon d’Or, but because of what's happening in Valencia.”
The devastating floods in Valencia have seen over 200 lives lost. Real Madrid's match against Valencia was postponed due to th e same reason, with Ancelotti calling for football in Spain to take a backseat due to the ongoing natural disaster.