Guti, one of Real’s emblematic players at the start of this century, is one of those who thinks that Vinicius Jr’s failure to win the Ballon d’Or this year is a huge scandal.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri was named this year’s winner ahead of both Real players, Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. A decision which led Real Madrid to cancel the participation of its delegation in the ceremony on Monday.
For Guti, “the Ballon d’Or has no meaning”
Speaking to El Chiringuito, Guti said: “The Ballon d’Or should have been won by a Real Madrid player. This year’s Ballon d’Or is meaningless. This is not possible. This year they cannot give the Ballon d’Or to a player who is not from Real Madrid. Like Vinicius, Bellingham or Carvajal.”
Guti then made it clear that he has a lot of respect for Rodri, especially since he is a compatriot and plays in the same position as him. “Rodri had a great season and deserved this title last season… and they didn’t give it to him. I am happy that Rodri received the Ballon d’Or. I don’t think he deserved it this year, but he deserved it last year. Last year, he was stripped of the Ballon d’Or. Rodri was ignored like many Spaniards. This is reality. And since they didn’t give him last year, they gave him this year.”
Guti continues: “The Ballon d’Or has no meaning. He has no prestige. I don’t believe it. They should tell me what the voting criteria are. If the voting criterion is what you did with your team and your national team, Rodri and Vinicius should not win it. Carvajal should win…. This is the first time I’ve seen a Ballon d’Or player who isn’t in the top 11 in the Premier League or Champions League. That says a lot.”
