Rodri on surprise Ballon d'Or victory: 'Knowing how to lose is important'
11/09/2024 07:19 AM
Manchester City's Rodri (28) became the unexpected winner of the Ballon d'Or this year when he defeated Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. (24) by 41 points. One of the more narrow margins of victory since the voting system changed in 2016.
In an interview with France Football who hosts and organises the award, Rodri was asked about whether he had hesitated about coming to the ceremony as Vinicius was the heavy favourite to win the trophy and defensive players have rarely lifted the Ballon d'Or.
Rodri is only the third defensive player since 1996 to be named the Ballon d'Or winner and only the second-ever defensive midfielder to earn the accolade. However, Rodri told the French outlet that he had no intention of missing the ceremony.
"When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it's good to come." The City midfielder told France Football. "Besides there is also the collective aspect that's important. For example, last year Erling (Haaland) was in a better position than me to win. I wanted to come to support him in a special moment."
Rodri continued, "Knowing how to win but also knowing how to lose is important. And then, this year, with my injury and the rehabilitation, this event was like a breath of fresh air. So when I made the decision to come it was above all to enjoy this superb evening."
Rodri not bitter about Real Madrid’s decision to boycott award ceremony
When asked about Real Madrid's decision to boycott the event over Vinicius missing out on the trophy, Rodri explained that he was not bitter. "What do you want me to tell you? That I would have preferred everyone to be there? Of course, I did. The second, third, fourth, etc. were all missing… [but] I have to respect everyone's decision. Even if I would not have acted the same way."
