“Yea, a Facetime call” - Rodri responds hilariously after being asked if Vinicius Jr called him after 2024 Ballon d'Or gala
Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has provided a hilarious response after being asked if Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr had called him after the award ceremony. It was widely believed that the Brazilian winger would go on to win the coveted award, especially after driving Los Blancos to the LaLiga and Champions League titles. However, the voters decided on Rodri instead.
This did not sit well with Vinicius and Real Madrid, who found out that the winger would not be awarded the 2024 Ballon d'Or, ahead of the ceremony. Due to the snub, they decided against attending the gala, despite having seven players nominated, including now-retired Toni Kroos.
The snub was the wider talking point of the weeks that have since passed. Now, Rodri has opened up about the award night, revealing that he has had no interactions with the Real Madrid winger, who came in second place. The Manchester City midfielder told Spanish radio sports program El Larguero (via Fabrizio Romano):
“Any call from Vinicius Jr after the Ballon d’Or? Yea, a Facetime call… (laughs). No, nothing. We didn’t speak. No messages from Real Madrid, they did not come to the gala so obviously it’d make no sense to text me after.”
Rodri was instrumental in Manchester City's fourth Premier League title in a row, while also leading Spain to win Euro 2024. His impressive performances were enough to see him clinch the Ballon d'Or, the first Spanish player to do so since Luis Suarez in 1960.
Rodri spoke about Real Madrid's decision to boycott Ballon d'Or ceremony after Vinicius snub
Rodri spoke about Real Madrid's decision to snub the 2024 Ballon d'Or award ceremony after they determined that Vinicius Jr would not win it. Carlo Ancelotti was not present to collect his award for the best men's coach of the year, and neither were the players or delegates.
Rodri spoke with Ballon d'Or organizers France Football after he won, explaining that Los Blancos should have shown up. He said (via Mirror):
"When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it's good to come... Besides there is also the collective aspect that's important. For example, last year Erling [Haaland] was in a better position than me to win."
"I wanted to come to support him in a special moment. Knowing how to win but also knowing how to lose is important."
Vinicius Jr will have another chance to push for the coveted award next year, if he can exceed expectations this season. With Rodri out for much of the season due to a long-term injury, the ball is in the Brazilian winger's court. He has started extremely well, scoring 12 times and assisting seven more in 17 games across competitions.