In the race for the Ballon d’Or, the iconic individual award given to the best footballer of the year, Manchester City midfielder Rodri has emerged as the likely frontrunner. The turn of events comes after Fabrizio Romano, the well-known football transfer expert, revealed that Vinicius Junior, who had been a favorite for the honor, will not be taking home the prize. According to Romano, this news has already reached Vinicius and Real Madrid, who reportedly will not attend the ceremony in Paris—a surprising decision for a club as celebrated as Los Blancos, especially given their tradition of producing Ballon d’Or winners.
Vinicius Junior, the Brazilian sensation, was the bookmakers’ favorite throughout the past months. His stellar performances for Real Madrid in the 2022-23 season saw him help the club secure both the La Liga title and the Champions League trophy, with the 23-year-old delivering an impressive 21 goals and nine assists across the two competitions. In many ways, his season exemplified the kind of individual and team success that has typically translated into Ballon d’Or glory. With his electric style, impressive speed, and creativity, Vinicius has carved a prominent place for himself among football’s elite, making his potential exclusion from this honor all the more surprising.
On the other hand, Rodri’s rise as a contender reflects his own extraordinary accomplishments with Manchester City. Anchoring City’s midfield, the Spaniard was instrumental in their historic treble-winning season, which saw the team clinch the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League titles. Rodri also played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 qualification campaign, including a victory in the UEFA Nations League. Though he is not an attacker, Rodri’s ability to control the pace of a game, recover possession, and distribute the ball with precision has earned him recognition from fans and pundits alike. His contributions may not grab headlines in the way goals or assists do, but they provide the foundation for City’s success.
Romano’s statement about Vinicius Junior missing out on the award adds intrigue to the ceremony, which will take place in Paris on Monday. The Italian journalist confirmed that Real Madrid will be notably absent from the event: “Vinicius Jr will NOT travel to Paris as Real Madrid know he will NOT win the Ballon d’Or. No one from Real Madrid will attend the ceremony. No Florentino Pérez, no Vini Jr, no Carlo Ancelotti, no Jude Bellingham.” This lack of Madrid representation could be seen as a silent protest or merely an acknowledgement of the final outcome, but it’s certainly a notable deviation for a club that usually has a strong presence at the event.
The debate around Rodri’s candidacy has also generated differing opinions among football legends and pundits. Thierry Henry, a former Arsenal great and Champions League winner himself, has been vocal about the need to recognize players who operate in the midfield, particularly in the holding position, which is crucial but often underappreciated. Speaking on CBS, Henry expressed his hope that Rodri would win, emphasizing the undervalued role that midfielders play in a team’s success. “People forget about midfielders and what they do,” Henry said. “They’re the heart of the team. He is the heart of Manchester City. I know he didn’t win the Champions League [last season], but he won the Euros [with Spain].”
Conversely, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher expressed support for Vinicius Junior as his preferred choice for the Ballon d’Or, underscoring the forward’s impact in Real Madrid’s Champions League run. “I’d go for Vini Jr,” Carragher remarked. “They [Real Madrid] won the Champions League, which is the biggest thing in club football. It’s difficult for Rodri because of the position he plays…very few players probably win it in that position – whether you’re a defender or a holding midfield player.” Carragher pointed out the inherent bias toward attacking players in award considerations, noting that goal-scorers and creative forwards often dominate because they’re the ones “who get people off their seats.”
Micah Richards, a former Manchester City player and current pundit, sided with Henry in his support for Rodri. “Rodri would still get my vote for last season,” Richards explained. He argued that while strikers and wingers often receive the accolades, players like Rodri, who have the skill and discipline to control the flow of play from deep midfield positions, deserve recognition for their tactical brilliance and consistency.
As the Ballon d’Or ceremony approaches, Rodri’s status as the likely winner underscores the shift in football’s appreciation for the variety of skills and roles that contribute to team success. His potential win would be groundbreaking, given that holding midfielders are rarely acknowledged with such high honors. Whether this represents a broader shift in football’s awards culture or an isolated recognition remains to be seen. However, Rodri’s possible victory would be significant, especially for those who advocate for the overlooked contributions of midfielders. And while the absence of Vinicius Junior from the winner’s podium may feel unexpected, the debate it has sparked serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in determining the “best” player in the world.