Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he believes Manchester City midfielder Rodri was deserving of winning the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Ancelotti made these remarks during a press conference before Real Madrid’s Champions League match against Manchester City. Despite finishing fifth in the final rankings, Rodri did not win the award, which went to Lionel Messi.
However, in 2024, Rodri did win the Ballon d’Or, beating out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham for the top spot.
This result led to Ancelotti and his team boycotting the awards ceremony in Paris. Despite acknowledging Rodri’s talents, Ancelotti still believes Vinicius Junior should have been the rightful winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
“I don’t think it was a bad decision [Real Madrid snubbing the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards ceremony],” Ancelotti said.
“We didn’t want to be involved because we thought Vini Jr. was the winner.
“That doesn’t mean we didn’t respect Rodrigo. He’s a fantastic player and we think he deserved to win it the year before.”
