Rodri Upset by Ballon d’Or Snub as Messi Secures 2023 Victory
Manchester City star Rodri expressed his disappointment after being snubbed for the Ballon d’Or award in 2023, with Lionel Messi clinching the prestigious title. Despite an exceptional season with Manchester City, where they triumphed in the Premier League, Champions League, and FA Cup, Rodri was denied the ultimate individual honor. He even played a crucial role in securing the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan, as well as helping Spain secure the Nations League championship.
Rodri’s exclusion from the top three nominees and Messi’s victory did not come as a surprise to the Spanish midfielder. In an interview with the Daily Mirror, he stated, “I am not surprised. This is normal. I understand very well how things work in these individual awards. They are based on marketing, money, and advertising.” Rodri further pointed out that there have been Spanish midfielders in the past who were overlooked for deserving recognition.
For Rodri, what matters most in football is his collective achievements rather than individual accolades. Despite playing in five matches that Manchester City lost in 2023, his overall performance showcased his exceptional skills and contributions to the team’s success. Additionally, Rodri has demonstrated his goal-scoring abilities, making him a valuable asset for Manchester City.
However, it is understandable why Rodri would feel frustrated by Messi’s win. While Messi had an outstanding performance in the World Cup, leading Argentina to victory and earning his eighth Ballon d’Or title, his club form was inconsistent during his time at Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Inter Miami. This inconsistency may have contributed to Rodri’s disappointment.
Not only did Rodri miss out on the Ballon d’Or, but his teammate Erling Haaland also failed to secure the award despite scoring an impressive 50 goals for club and country in 2023. Haaland’s goals played a vital role in Manchester City’s treble-winning season, highlighting his immense talent and impact on the team’s success.
The Ballon d’Or remains the most esteemed individual award in football, but it is evident that some players now have reservations about its selection process. Rodri’s comments shed light on the perception that these awards may be influenced by factors such as marketing and advertising rather than solely recognizing outstanding performance on the field.
In conclusion, Rodri’s disappointment at being overlooked for the Ballon d’Or in 2023 reflects a growing sentiment among players who feel that the award may not accurately reflect their contributions. Despite his exceptional season with Manchester City, including winning multiple trophies and scoring important goals, Rodri’s omission from the top three nominees highlights the subjective nature of individual awards in football.