Manchester City star Rodri has spoken out against Real Madrid’s decision to skip the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony, where he was named the world’s best player. Rodri said he has lost respect for the Spanish club because of their reaction.

Rodri’s win came as a surprise to many fans who had expected Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. to take the award. Reports suggest Real Madrid also hoped that Dani Carvajal, another of their players, could win. However, when the news broke that Rodri was the winner, Real Madrid responded by refusing to send representatives to the event in Paris.

Rodri expressed his disappointment with their actions, emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ achievements. He said:

“In sports and in life, it’s important to win, but it’s even more important to know how to lose. It was my moment, and I didn’t want to talk about others. But I cannot respect Madrid’s decision not to attend.”

Despite the absence of Real Madrid, Rodri said the ceremony was a special moment for him:

“I wanted to celebrate with my club, my family, and the people who supported me. That made the moment fantastic.”

Rodri’s comments highlight the need for unity and respect in football, even among rivals. His win breaks the long-standing dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, marking a new chapter in the history of the Ballon d’Or.