'Probably, these same journalists voted for him too' – Rodri on Ronaldo's Ballon d'Or criticism

Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed his surprise at Cristiano Ronaldo questioning his selection as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner.

Five-time Ballon d'Or recipient Ronaldo stated that Vinícius Júnior deserved the accolade over Rodri, citing the Real Madrid forward's Champions League victory and his decisive goal in the final.

In response to Ronaldo's comments, Rodri told Diario AS: "A surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen.''

"This year the journalists who vote have considered that I should win it. Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win, and I imagine that then he would agree."

Ballon d'Or Controversy

Real Madrid boycotted the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris last October after Rodri was awarded the honour ahead of Vinícius.

Rodri, 28, secured the prestigious prize following a remarkable season in which he won the Premier League with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain.

Vinícius had been a leading contender after helping Real Madrid clinch a LaLiga and Champions League double. Despite missing out on the Ballon d'Or, the Brazilian forward was later recognised with FIFA's The Best Men's Player award and Globe Soccer's Best Men's Prize on 30 December.

Life After Winning

Rodri, who suffered an ACL injury in September, spoke about how winning the Ballon d'Or has impacted his daily life.

"It has changed my life," he admitted. "Many things that I could do before, obviously, I can no longer do. But hey, it is for a good reason ... I have the philosophy that in life you have to take things as they are given to you.

"There is no need to complain when things are not the way you want or go crazy when you win a Ballon d'Or. God has given me what he has given me and I am extremely grateful. I have to deal with everything, including injuries, and move forward."