Rodri - The 2024 Ballon d'Or Winner! (Pg 131)

[Coatigan]

Regarding some of the subsequent discussions in the media, amongst pundits, and fans - I have zero issue with the following or such takes.

That Vinicius Jr is a more 'exciting' player.
That he deserves it more for hsi football.
That his 3 trophies are collectively more significant than Rodri's 4.
That his contribution in those trophies is more significant.
That he is a more influential footballer or person/leader.
Etc.

I don't agree with them, but, they are valid footballing takes that I can respect.


My issue is with the following takes that have been stated or published, that speculate that Rodri won over Vinicius Jr because of:

Racial prejudice.
Dislike of his fight againat racial prejudice.
'Unresolved differences' between Real Madrid and Uefa
'European bias' againat South American players (Messi says hi)
Vote splitting with real madrid teammates that benefited Rodri (which is mathematicallyimpossible).
Punishing him for being outspoken on social issues off the pitch.
Etc.

 

[Paladin]

Scholes appreciates good footballing qualities no matter who the player plays for.

 

[Kippax Street 1880]

He won't win it, there's a certain 17 year old who plays for Barca that is ripping up La Liga.

Yamal is a menace, I caught the 4 nil highlights last night and the lad celebrated his goal in front of the Madrid fans mocking the dance Vinicius does after scoring then laughed in their faces. He has an aura about him already, why is it always Barca who uncover these freak talents the lucky fuckers?

 

[SebastianBlue]

Yamal is a menace, I caught the 4 nil highlights last night and the lad celebrated his goal in front of the Madrid fans mocking the dance Vinicius does after scoring then laughed in their faces. He has an aura about him already, why is it always Barca who uncover these freak talents the lucky fuckers?

I mean… we have had some half-decent talents come through our academy, as well…

But, I agree, Yamal is a future superstar if he can avoid being ruined physically or mentally by Barca, like so many wonderkinds before him.

Pep’s handling of young players is perhaps the most underrated aspect of his exceptional management ability.

 

[johnny crossan]

You will be accused of having a conspiracy complex no doubt :)

They even have a module on "Talking City Down" in the BBC Sport Induction Programme.

 

[malg]

Should just be Real Madrid representatives in the room if he picks it up, but he really isn't good enough to win it.

Unfortunately, Rodi aside, it appears this prize goes to people with a huge social media presence. The noise around this guy will just increase now until he wins it. Expect him to become the voice of anything and everything now. He's a good player but I was never convinced he was the world's best.

 

[johnny crossan]

.... Expect him to become the voice of anything and everything now. He's a good player but I was never convinced he was the world's best.

He certainly isn't and from now every football fan bar the Madridistas will remind him of that each time he steps on the pitch. Such vanity and stupidity will bring its own rewards.

 

[Kippax Street 1880]

WE BROKE MADRID
WE BROKE THEIR PLAYERS
WE BROKE THEIR FANS
NOW THE FANS ARE BREAKING THEIR TV'S. I LOVE IT!

Broke his mates foot aswell by looks of it

 

[alexmcity]

He also said Rodri is the best ever DM the prem has ever had. He may suck off his daughter’s toes, but for a rag he’s actually not that much of a bellend. Couldn’t bring myself to say he’s alright so I had to improvise.

Scholes is right. Rodri's the best DM in PL history.

Still, I see that many fans and pundits don't get Rodri. He's way more than "functional". There's subtle beauty in the way Rodri links defence and attack and elevates his teams to higher levels. Sadly, the extraordinary aspects of his game are less visible than those of the attacking players.

 

[Inter Me Nan]

When did it come to this?
Fucking know nowts acting like they know shit?
Get in the fucking sea!