Florentino Perez hits out at Ballon d’Or prize going to Rodri in official Real Madrid interview | OneFootball

Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has hit out at the decision to award Manchester City’s Rodri the 2024 Ballon d’Or this year and snub Los Blancos stars in the process.

The 28-year-old Spain international became the first defensive midfielder to win the prize and status of being the best footballer on the planet over the last 12 months since Lothar Matthaus’ success in 1990.

It was the ultimate recognition for a midfielder who has been integral for the success of both Manchester City and Spain way beyond the last 12 months, but culminating in a fourth successive Premier League title, and the European Championship crown in the summer.

But Rodri’s success also saw a number of the game’s very best superstars miss out on the prize in the process, and particularly Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr – sparking outrage from within Los Blancos and leading to them boycotting the entire ceremony in Paris in October.

Now, in the latest development of frustration stemming from the Bernabeu over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has issued a formal statement on the club’s website showcasing further confusing over the decision to hand the City man the award.

“From here I would like to say to Rodri that he has the affection and recognition of Real Madrid because, without a doubt, he deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year,” Florentino Perez stated.

“His Ballon d’Or should have been last year, when he won everything with his team and scored the decisive goal in the final of the Champions League,” he continued. “Clearly, this year the Ballon d’Or should have gone to a Real Madrid player, regardless of the criteria applied.

“I personally believe that the Ballon d’Or should be organised independently and the votes for this award should be in the hands of people of renowned prestige and solvency in the world of football, who risk their reputation with their vote.

“In these circumstances, Real Madrid felt it appropriate not to attend this year’s Ballon d’Or gala.”

Madridistas’ pain would not have gotten any easier over the last week either, as Rodri returned to Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium with a blockbuster presentation and homecoming celebration in front of over 55,000 people, parading his Ballon d’Or trophy on the pitch.

For now, Rodri will likely keep his attentions away from the outpouring of frustration from Real Madrid, and maintain focus on his recovery from a double-knee injury, with the intention being to return to the pitch for Manchester City this season.