Fourteen years later, nothing has changed in Spanish soccer. Rodri has suffered the same betrayal that Andrés Iniesta suffered in 2012.
Alfredo Relaño was the Spanish journalist in charge of representing Spain on the jury of voters for the Ballon d'Or. He didn't vote for the Spanish candidate, Rodri. He's not even a Real Madrid fan.
Rodri Won the Ballon d'Or, in Spite of the Spanish Vote
He prioritized the Madrid fandom that is typically present in a Spanish media network to give Brazilian Vinícius the maximum score.
Rodri won in spite of the Spanish vote. Alfredo Relaño is a reputable journalist with plenty of credit. However, the role he played required obeisance to Real Madrid. We've already seen how the club behaves when it doesn't like something.
Relaño gave 15 points to Vinícius, 12 to Rodri and 10 to Bellingham. The Real Madrid jersey carries more weight than that of the Spanish national team and, of course, that of Manchester.
Fortunately for Spanish soccer, the other members of the jury didn't go in the same direction as the Spanish judge, which confirms that outsiders value us more than we value ourselves. In this case, how much they value Rodri.
The Same Happened with Iniesta: the Spanish Vote Went to Cristiano Ronaldo
It should not surprise anyone because it never rains but it pours. When it is of interest, awards for Spanish players are lacking in Madrid, especially if it's done to give them to Messi.
However, when it depends on the Madrid press (only they have access to represent Spain) they forget about La Roja very easily.
They are firmly committed to the white jersey, even if it benefits foreign footballers. Patriotism that can be taken on and off.
It happened in 2012. UEFA was choosing the best European player of 2012. On that occasion, it was newspaper Marca that acted as a jury representing soccer.
As expected, Marca didn't vote for a Spanish player, but rather for a Portuguese player who played for Real Madrid.
Iniesta received the majority vote from the jury and won the award. But Marca voted for Cristiano Ronaldo and almost tipped the balance in his favor.
Iniesta received 19 votes and Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi completed the podium tied with 17 votes.
Then they would demand Ballons d'or for Iniesta. But when depended on our Madridist media, rather than Spanish media, any foreigner from Real Madrid is ahead on the list of preferences before any Spaniard who is not from Real Madrid.