After beating Vinicius Junior to claim the Ballon d'Or, Rodri reveals why he's 'afraid to open his phone

After defeating Vinicius Junior to win the Ballon d’Or, Rodri explains why he’s “ʂƈαred to open his phone,” why he avoids social media, and how watching Man City from his couch makes him “desperate” to get back in shape.

After beating Vinicius Junior to claim the Ballon d’Or, Rodri reveals why he’s ‘afraid to open his phone,’ his reluctance to use social media, and how watching Man City from his sofa makes him ‘desperate’ to get back into shape

Rodri describes a call from a Real Madrid player following a boycott following their Ballon d’Or victory.

When Manchester City sensation Rodri won the Ballon d’Or instead of Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal, Real Madrid was incensed, but in private, there was a different response.

Real Madrid was incensed by Rodri’s triumph at Monday night’s Ballon d’Or honors ceremony, but one of the team’s players was happy for him.

Surprisingly, the Manchester City midfielder won the prize in Paris ahead of the favorite, Vinicius Junior. He played a crucial part in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 and helped City win the Premier League for the fourth time in a row before his victory.

The move, which is supported by journalists worldwide, was met with disapproval in the Spanish capital, where Real Madrid declined to go because they felt it was disrespectful. Nominated players Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, and Fede Valverde remained at home, along with manager Carlo Ancelotti and club president Florentino Perez.

“If the award criteria do not choose Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should indicate Carvajal as the winner,” Real told AFP. It is evident that Ballon d’Or-UEFA does not recognize Real Madrid because this was not the case. Furthermore, Real Madrid avoids situations in which it is not recognized.

In his victory speech, Rodri was extremely gracious, praising his teammates and family while specifically highlighting Carvajal. The Real and Spain right-back had already contacted him to congratulate him, he added in a subsequent interview with Movistar Plus+.

“Dani Carvajal called me and was really pleased for me,” he stated. Because I believe he deserved it as well, I wanted to honor him. He shares my principles of teamwork, passion for a team, and selflessness. We have a lot in common, and the injury has strengthened our bond.