Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that Manchester City midfielder Rodri deserved to win the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
Speaking to reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League first-leg tie against Manchester City on Tuesday night, Ancelotti reflected on the prestigious award.
Lionel Messi ultimately won the 2023 Ballon d’Or, beating Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Kevin De Bruyne, and Rodri, who finished fifth. However, Rodri later claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, who took second and third, respectively.
In response, the Real Madrid delegation, including Ancelotti, boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Ancelotti, however, acknowledged Rodri’s talent, though he firmly believed Vinicius should have won the 2024 Ballon d’Or instead of the Spanish international.
“I don’t think it was a bad decision [for Real Madrid to snub the 2024 Ballon d’Or ceremony],” Ancelotti said. “We didn’t want to be involved because we thought Vini Jr. was the winner. That doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri. He’s a fantastic player, and we believe he deserved to win it the year before.”
