Two footballers in the red and blue uniforms of the Spanish national team walk across the soccer field, with a golden trophy in a yellow circle in the upper right corner.

'I Can't Believe It': Rodri is Surprised by Vinícius and Carvajal

He doesn't feel like a prophet in his own land and doesn't understand Real Madrid. He attended without knowing he'd win

29/10/2024 12:00:00h

Rodri is enjoying the excitement of the Ballon d'Or and his mobile is buzzing with several congratulations. Most of them are pleasant, although he's also had some unpleasant surprises.

For example, the runner-up in the Ballon d'Or voting, Vinícius, hasn't yet congratulated him. He hadn't received any message twelve hours after receiving the award. " I can't believe it," he said.

Rodri Regrets not Being a Prophet in His Own Land

A man in a suit holds a golden trophy on a lit stage.

Rodri is still waiting for congratulations from Vinícius | France Football

Rodri hasn't hidden his disappointment at the situation that has arisen around Vinícius. He doesn't understand why Real Madrid has boycotted the Parisian gala when they were supposed to receive the trophies for best club and best coach.

Without even realizing it, he feels like a victim of the situation and regrets not being a prophet in his own land. He himself is from Madrid and notices that in Madrid there's more displeasure about Vinícius's defeat than about his own victory.

It's also unusual for a Spaniard to receive the Ballon d'Or. He is the second one and it had been 64 years since Luis Suárez received it.

Congratulations from Your Friend Dani Carvajal

Nevertheless, Rodri has expressed his sincere gratitude for the congratulations by his friend Dani Carvajal. He was one of those who was competing directly with him for the final victory.

"I have a lot of nice things in common with Carvajal. He's a player who will love his team all his life. He plays at a very high level and we're closer because of the injury. I received a call from him saying he was happy for me," Rodri said.

Two soccer players compete for the ball in a game.

For Vinícius it is unfair that the Ballon d'Or goes to Rodri | Getty Images

The one from whom he hasn't received any message is Vinícius. That hurts Rodri because he knows that, precisely because of details like this, Vinícius hasn't won the Ballon d'Or.

Vinícius has been sanctioned for his off-field controversies, which have overshadowed his excellent sporting career.

Rodri would've preferred to have Vinícius in the stands to say a few words to him. He doesn't understand Real Madrid's position of boycotting the event. After all, he went to Paris without knowing whether he was going to win or not.

A congratulation from Vinícius would've been a nice touch to end a controversy that benefits no one.

➡️ Real Madrid