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Carlo Ancelotti, the Real Madrid coach, defended club's decision to forgo last year's Ballon d'Or ceremony. Furthermore, he spoke about Lionel Messi's 2023 Ballon d'Or win, naming Rodri as the deserving player. Notably, the Spanish club was in the news after it boycott October's famous Ballon d’Or presentation ceremony in Paris, believing Vinicius Jr deserved the award over Manchester City midfielder Rodri. The club drew a lot of criticism on its decision, while claiming it was a disrespectful act. Moreover, it also denied Ancelotti the opportunity to receive his award in person after being chosen as the Coach of the Year.
Just before the Champions League play-off match against Manchester City at Etihad Stadium, former Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan coach said, “I don't think it was the wrong decision. We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon d'Or. It doesn't mean we don't respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before."
Real Madrid faces heavy criticism for snubbing Ballon d’Or 2024 award ceremony
Real Madrid went through heavy criticism when it snubbed the 2024 Ballon d'Or ceremony in the French capital. Many viewed this as the club's lack of sportsmanship. Speaking at a press conference, Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said, "I was happy for Rodri but Vinicius made an extraordinary year as well. He could deserve it, like in the past when [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo] were fighting for it. So, the subject is over.
Notably, Rodri's Ballon d'Or win came after he had a great season with Manchester City and Spain, where he won the Premier League and the 2024 Euros. However, Real Madrid and many of its followers thought Vinicius Jr. had a better case for the honour.
The Brazilian won both La Liga and the Champions League, winning MVP honours in the final. Just a month later, Vinicius was awarded FIFA's Best Men's Player, but there was a case of argument about him winning the title.
