Rodri broke the silence about his relationship with Vinicius after the Ballon d'Or (VIDEO)

There was much speculation about the relationship between Rodri and Vinicius after the election of the Ballon d'Or winner and the Spaniard broke the silence by assuring that he respects the Brazilian despite the mocking chants he made during the party where he celebrated his award.

Rodri Wins a Close Race for the Ballon d'Or, Narrowly Beating Vinicius Jr.

In a thrilling climax to the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony, Manchester City's Rodri emerged victorious, securing the prestigious award. The Spanish midfielder edged out Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. in an incredibly close race, with a mere 41 points separating the two contenders.

This marked one of the closest Ballon d'Or votes in recent history, highlighting the exceptional performances of both players throughout the previous season. Rodri's pivotal role in Manchester City's treble-winning campaign, combined with his consistent displays in midfield, ultimately swayed the voters in his favor.

Key factors contributing to Rodri's victory:

• Treble-winning campaign: Rodri was an integral part of Manchester City's historic treble-winning season, playing a crucial role in their success in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
• Consistency and versatility: His ability to excel in both defensive and attacking midfield roles, combined with his consistency throughout the season, impressed the voters.
• Leadership qualities: Rodri's leadership qualities on the pitch and his ability to control the tempo of the game were also highly regarded.

Vinicius Jr.'s impressive campaign:

Despite narrowly missing out on the Ballon d'Or, Vinicius Jr. had a phenomenal season with Real Madrid. His electrifying performances on the wing, coupled with his crucial goals, made him a strong contender for the award.

What does this victory mean for both players?

Rodri's victory solidifies his status as one of the world's best midfielders and cements his place in football history. For Vinicius Jr., finishing as the runner-up is a testament to his rapid development and highlights his potential to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Overall, the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony was a celebration of two exceptional talents, with Rodri ultimately emerging as a worthy winner.