Rodri Claims 2024 Ballon d'Or Amidst Real Madrid Boycott

Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri was awarded the men's Ballon d'Or on Monday after securing a 4th consecutive Premier League title and Euro 2024, but Real Madrid cancelled the ceremony.

The decision to give the prize for the world's best player to the midfielder came as a big surprise, with Real Madrid's Liga and Champions League double winner Vinicius Junior widely regarded as the most favorite. Few hours before the ceremony in Paris, the Spanish club announced its delegation would not attend the event at the Chatelet Theatre due to what it perceived as a slight in opposition to Vinicius.

Rodri, 28, played a pivotal role as City fended off Arsenal to have victory over the Premier League title last season and was named player of the tournament at Euro 2024 as the underdog Spain triumphed in Germany.

Rodri was diplomatic when addressing the question of Real's absence in press conference after the award.

"They have their choice; they didn't want to be here for their reasons," he claimed. "I just focus on my club and my teammates."

Despite the French organizers insisting that the identity of the winner was a closely-guarded secret, the news seemed to have leaked  before the festivities.

READ MORE - India Quits Out of SAFF Women's Championship to Nepal