Manchester City midfielder, Rodri, finally won the 2024 Ballon d’Or award.
The Spain international won the award ahead of Real Madrid stars, Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe on Monday night in Paris, France.
Rodri emerged the winner because of his standout performances for both club and country in the year under review.
The defensive midfielder registered nine goals and 14 assists from 50 games across all competitions.
The 28-year-old played a key role as he led his nation Spain to win the Euro 2024 trophy over the summer in Germany.
He was named the best player of the tournament in Germany as Spain defeated England in the final.
Rodri also won the UEFA Super Cup and Premier League with Man City.
However, his top contender for the 2024 Ballon d’Or, Vinicius, helped Real Madrid win the Champions League, LaLiga, and the Supercopa de Espana last season.
Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists from 39 games across competitions.
But his failure to make a mark in Copa America for Brazil might have cost him the coveted prize this year.
As a result, no Real Madrid representative attended the ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris as Vinicius, who was widely expected to win the Ballon d’Or, was snubbed.
Vinicius finished behind Rodri in the 2024 Ballon d’Or final rankings.
Real Madrid were disappointed and did not send the Brazilian international or anyone to the Ballon d’Or event.
The Los Blanco knew prior to the award ceremony that Vinicius, who helped Carlo Ancelotti’s side to win both the LaLiga and UEFA Champions titles, will not be announced the winner for the award this year.
Speaking with newsmen on Monday, respected journalist, Femi Fabunmi, said: “Rodri also played a very big part last season for both club and country, so he’s deserving.
“Moreso, the Ballon D’Or has been awarded way too many to forwards and it will be a thing of joy to see a defensive minded player win it. It has been a long time since that happened.
“As for Vini not winning the award, it’s only normal for him to vent his anger by not showing up.
“All hopes were high on him winning it as he was tipped by all and sundry to emerge winner.”
On the decision Real Madrid took as a club not to travel to Paris or send a representative for the Ballon d’Or, Fabunmi added, “Real Madrid are only disappointed, they initially thought the award will come to Bernabeu.
“Maybe just maybe if Vini had won the Copa America with Brazil, we would have a different story.
“But as things stand at the moment, he should try his luck next time.”
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