Ancelotti suggests Rodri deserved 2023 Ballon d’Or over Messi

Carlo Ancelotti has defended Real Madrid's decision to boycott the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, insisting the club was justified in its stance.

In doing so, the Italian also suggested that Rodri should have won the 2023 award instead of Lionel Messi.

Speaking ahead of Real Madrid's Champions League tie against Manchester City, Ancelotti reiterated the club's belief that Vinicius Jr. was the rightful winner of the 2024 award.

"I don't think it was the wrong decision. We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d'Or," Ancelotti said, as quoted by the BBC.

"It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before," he added, hinting at criticism of Messi's victory in 2023.

Messi's triumph last year extended his record to eight Ballon d'Or titles, with the award recognising his role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup win. However, some argued that a player who excelled at club level should have been rewarded instead. Rodri, instrumental in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign, was among those many felt had a stronger case.

Real Madrid's decision to snub the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony sparked criticism, with many seeing it as unsporting behaviour. The club's stance meant that Ancelotti, who was named Ballon d'Or Coach of the Year, was unable to collect his award in person.

Rodri ultimately won the 2024 Ballon d'Or after another stellar season, which included winning the Premier League with City and leading Spain to glory at the 2024 European Championship. However, Real Madrid and their supporters believed Vinicius Jr. had done enough to claim the honour, having lifted both La Liga and the Champions League, where he was named MVP of the final. Just a month later, the Brazilian was named FIFA's Best Men's Player, further fuelling debate over whether he had been unfairly overlooked for the Ballon d'Or.

Ancelotti has never been shy about his opinions on football's greatest players. Speaking at a press conference earlier this month, he reaffirmed his belief that Cristiano Ronaldo is the best of all time.

"Cristiano has marked an era and is still doing so. For me, he is the best. He has also helped me a lot with the goals he has scored, allowing me to stay calm on the bench at Real Madrid," he said.