Ballon d’Or Winner Rodri Reveals Lack of Congratulatory Messages from Notable Players
Rodri, the Manchester City midfielder, recently shared a surprising revelation – he didn’t receive congratulatory messages from several high-profile players, including Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Karim Benzema, following his Ballon d’Or victory.
What’s more, Luka Modric, a former Ballon d’Or winner, also failed to extend his congratulations.
Rodri won the prestigious award on October 28 at the Théâtre du Châtelet, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
Weeks after the win, Rodri expressed his surprise that none of the recent Ballon d’Or winners reached out to him, including Messi and Ronaldo, who have combined for 13 wins between them.
In a lighthearted moment, Rodri shared with Diario AS, “Let me check… There are no messages from Messi, Cristiano, Modric, or Benzema.” He laughed off the lack of congratulations, indicating that he didn’t let it get to him.
Rodri has also identified Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah as his toughest opponent in the Premier League, drawing a comparison between Salah and Messi, acknowledging the challenges he faced when competing against them.
When asked about the most difficult player he has faced, Rodri replied, “I’d say Leo (Messi), and in the Premier League, Salah in his prime. Playing at Anfield is incredibly challenging; it feels like a knife.” He emphasized the intensity and difficulty of facing Salah at his peak.
