Ballon d'Or 2024: Rodri crowned to general surprise, Vinicius Jr. sidelined

Amazing. That's the word on everyone's lips this Monday evening. In a Palais des Congrès filled with stars, one name rang out to everyone's surprise: Rodri. And then, the reactions were immediate. Who would have bet on the Manchester City midfielder to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or? Probably not many. Brazilian Vinicius Jr. seemed to have a head start, didn't he? So why Rodri? Why did this choice make Real Madrid grind their teeth to the point of boycotting the ceremony? Let's take a closer look.

To grasp the magnitude of this event, we must look back at the Spaniard's career this season. Rodri, at 28, is not one of those who shine with spectacular dribbles or strikes. No, his talent is of a very different nature. He is the man in the shadows, the one who makes the machine work, who regulates the pace, who catches mistakes, who anticipates, who thinks for two. And this season, he has played his role to perfection, both in the Premier League with Manchester City and with the Spanish national team. But is it enough to deserve the Ballon d'Or?

One can understand the frustration of Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr., who is just as essential to his team, and yet has been left behind. Vinicius, who led Real to Champions League glory, embodied the idea of ​​the perfect favorite: young, flamboyant, and performing in decisive matches. His absence from the podium has shaken the Madrid club. Their response was blunt. “If Vinicius doesn’t win, why not Carvajal? This Ballon d’Or makes no sense.” A striking statement, a notable absence, a symbol of deep discontent. So, has the Ballon d’Or lost its value? Do these reactions reflect a greater malaise?

Rodri's case raises questions. Does this Ballon d'Or still reward the best player, the one who impresses with his creativity and magic on the pitch, or is it turning towards a more strategic recognition, that of the "essential player", even if he does not attract the attention of the crowds? In Spain, this title is already celebrated as the consecration of a rare player, the one who makes his teams win discreetly. In England, they praise the impact of this player on Manchester City's triumph.

In the end, Rodri's choice, while surprising, opens up a fascinating debate. Is it a reflection of a football that now values ​​stability and tactical intelligence over raw emotion and panache? Perhaps. In the age of statistics, it's no wonder that a player who can control the tempo and protect the defence is propelled to the top. But somewhere, there's a touch of madness missing, that thrill that Vinicius would have undoubtedly brought.

Will this 2024 Ballon d'Or go down in history as a turning point? As the moment when football stopped rewarding spectacle and started praising pragmatism? We may not be there yet. But one thing is certain: Rodri's victory leaves questions unanswered. And after all, isn't that the very essence of football?