Is Rodri’s Ballon d’Or a scandal?

October 28, 2024, Ballon d’Or day. The entire football world expects to see Vinícius Jr lift the trophy. But there was a twist during the day: social networks went up in flames, and several rumors announced that the winner would ultimately not be the Brazilian, but Rodri. A few hours later, the news is confirmed: it is indeed the Spaniard who wins the Grail, to everyone’s surprise. An unprecedented turn of events which immediately raises a question: is this a scandal? A survey launched on the website of French Football Weekly divides opinion: out of more than 80,000 participants, 50% believe that Rodri does not deserve it (at the time of publication of the article, Editor’s note). So, scandal or logical choice? The debate exists.

Comparing Vinícius and Rodri is not easy, because they play in completely different positions. Vinícius, striker, has recorded 24 goals and 11 assists this season in 39 matches. Rodri, midfielder, stands out despite a more defensive role with 9 goals (career record) and 14 assists, a little more than Vinícius. Both players contribute differently, but essential to the success of their respective teams. To better understand the legitimacy of Rodri, a comparison with Luka Modrić, Ballon d’Or 2018 and also a midfielder, can be made. In this game, the results are clear: Rodri excels in both collective and individual statistics, reminding us that this role of defensive midfielder can also claim the highest distinctions. Far from diminishing Modrić, on the contrary it demonstrates Rodri’s impact and consistency this season. Rodri can also boast other impressive statistics. He is currently on a streak of 52 matches without defeat, and more impressively, in his last 85 matches, club and country combined, he has only conceded one defeat.

Comparable trophies?

Looking at the trophies, the debate is just as tight. At club level, Vinícius Jr. completed a remarkable treble, winning the cup, the championship, and the Champions League, while eliminating Rodri’s Manchester City in the quarter-finals. For his part, Rodri distinguished himself with victory in the European Super Cup and the Premier League, often considered the most competitive championship in the world, where City once again demonstrated impressive mastery. At first glance, the advantage might seem to go to Vinícius, but analyzing performances with their national teams offers a different perspective: Rodri clearly wins. As the playing master of a dominating Spain, he won the Euro, winning the title of MVP of the competition in the process. Vinícius, meanwhile, was expected to take on the role of leading Brazil at the Copa América in Neymar’s absence, but disappointed, his team being eliminated in the quarter-finals. Rodri shone with his country, where Vinícius missed his appointment.

“The Copa América is over and it is time to reflect, to know how to deal with defeat. It’s my fault. I apologize»

After the tournament, the Brazilian winger spoke on Instagram, and noted the failure himself: “The Copa América is over and it is time to reflect, to know how to deal with defeat. The feeling of frustration takes over. Once again on penalties. I failed with two yellow cards which could have been avoided. Once again, I watched the elimination from the sidelines. But this time it’s my fault. I apologize for that. I know how to listen to criticism and, believe me, the harshest criticism comes from my home“.

Greater internal competition for the Brazilian

Another criterion, fair play, has taken on new importance in this edition of the prestigious prize. This season, Vinícius Jr has often been noted for off-field incidents, with his behavior sometimes being judged “provocative”, or even “intolerable», whether towards his opponents, the referees or even the public. During the last Clasico against Barcelona (0-4), he did not hesitate to say to Gavi: “I’m going to take the Ballon d’Or“, according to El Chiringuito. This divisive temperament probably weighed on the minds of voters, who preferred Rodri, considered more “discreet and impeccable» in terms of discipline and behavior.

Vinícius’ situation is also complicated by internal competition: Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, his teammates, were also serious contenders for the Ballon d’Or, which may have dispersed the votes between several Madrid players. This is reminiscent of the fact that some journalists make surprising choices in their rankings. For example, the journalist from El Salvador placed Bellingham second, Erling Haaland third, but Rodri only seventh, and Vinícius does not even appear in his top 10. Similar choices of countries, such as Equatorial Guinea or Ecuador, suggest that the selection criteria vary greatly. And are more than subjective. The complete rankings of the 100 voters will, as a reminder, be revealed by France Football in their entirety on November 9.

Rodri, footballer from shadow to light

This Ballon d’Or also rewards a player with an exceptional career, marked by hard work and unfailing determination. Rodri’s evolution as a person and as a player is just as impressive as Vinícius’. Born in Madrid, he experienced a first setback when he was rejected from the Atlético de Madrid training center. He began his professional career anonymously in 2016 in Villarreal, where he cut his teeth. After two promising seasons, he attracted the attention of Diego Simeone and joined the Colchoneros.

A season later, he reached a milestone by signing for 70 million euros at Manchester City, a considerable sum for a little-known player at the time. Questions about its value then multiply. However, under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Rodri is transforming and reaching the top of his game. He establishes himself as a leader on the field, acting as a relay between the coach and his teammates. As Manchester City’s playmaker and game regulator, he embodies the prototype of the modern midfielder. From failed to Ballon d’Or, this is what we can call an extraordinary trajectory.

The trophy was thus awarded to a team player, one who works in the shadows to make his teammates shine, rather than to attackers with flamboyant statistics and play. This choice marks a turning point towards a more collective vision of football. Rodri embodies this sober and efficient style of play, centered on the collective.

Vinicius ‘will come back stronger’

Vinicius, the big loser of this edition, has enough to fuel a certain bitterness, especially since his team, Real Madrid, decided to boycott the ceremony as a sign of support. Within the club, several emblematic figures, from Karim Benzema to Eduardo Camavinga, did not hesitate to publicly defend it. “Political Football. My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise. I love you my brother», Posted the French team player, on his X account. This support extends to Brazil, where the verdict triggered a media outcry. The press and supporters cry injustice, denouncing the treatment reserved for their national prodigy. Even icons of this sport, like the former Ballon d’Or Marta, have protested, calling for a review of the selection criteria.

On social networks, Vinícius Jr responded with a nice promise of revenge: “I will do 1000 times more if necessary. They are not ready“. A clear message that resonates as a challenge to all those who doubted him. Supporters are therefore impatiently waiting to see if this frustration will be translated onto the pitch. Let’s hope so.