Dani Carvajal was a contender for the Ballon d'Or, like Vinícius and Bellingham. But he was one of the first to congratulate the winner, his good friend Rodri.
The Real Madrid captain has a good friendship with the Manchester City midfielder, who's also from Madrid like him. He regrets that Real Madrid was late in signing him.
Ancelotti's Unfinished Business
Ancelotti has unfinished business. This goes beyond the glittering transfers that Real Madrid could make to reinforce its squad, as in the case of Mbappé. The succession of Toni Kroos hasn't been fixed with the players he currently has at his disposal.
Toni Kroos was a great addition to the team. Real Madrid needs a player with similar characteristics to provide balance and defensive consistency to the team. Such a player should also help making the most out of forwards.
Rodri was the chosen one but the Ballon d'Or complicates everything. Apart from the disappointment that the victory over Vinícius has caused in the white entity, it must be added that Florentino already gives up on his transfer.
Rodri, 28, was keen to swap City for Real Madrid but that will no longer be possible. His contract expires in 2027 and he will soon extend it with megastar sums that will put him ahead of Haaland and De Bruyne in City's salary band.
Mbappé's Arrival hasn't Improved Real Madrid
The new Ballon d'Or is a true Madrid native, but Real Madrid never thought about him in the past. Atlético did, though, where he was trained and where he played for a season after his time at Villarreal.
It's now too late to start a contract that had already been negotiated with the first contacts. Not even the announced departure of Pep Guardiola from City will change his mind. Rodri will finish his sporting career at City.
Real Madrid will have to put a Plan B in place to replace Toni Kroos as a matter of urgency. The arrival of Mbappé hasn't meant an improvement in Real Madrid's play and results because Kroos is missing. And that is Ancelotti's main concern, despite the problems he has in defense with the right back and the center back.