Winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri sparked strong reactions, including that of Karim Benzema. The latter expressed his disappointment at seeing Vinicius Junior excluded from the trophy, believing that the Brazilian had “deserved the Ballon d’Or” because of his impact at Real Madrid. “I look at Rodri and he doesn’t do anything that makes you go ‘wow,’” Benzema said, adding that he saw Vinicius’ sadness at the result.
“That’s his opinion.”
Rodri, who plays for Manchester City, responded elegantly in the columns of France Football: “No, it’s not offensive. It’s his opinion, he has the right to think it. I can’t hope to please everyone. I convinced a jury of a hundred voters, that’s not bad enough”he said. The Spanish midfielder added that he also received praise from Paul Scholes, which reinforces his personal satisfaction. With this calm response, Rodri shows that the criticism does not destabilize him.
