Someone who gets you screaming’ – Rio Ferdinand responds to Vinicius Jr’s Ballon d’Or snub following famous endorsement during Champions League final

Rodri’s 2024 Ballon d’Or triumph over Vinicius Junior in Paris has divided opinions in world football with one section backing the Manchester City star as the worthy winner while the other side claims that the Real Madrid winger was robbed of the award. Los Blancos boycotted the ceremony in protest after they came to know about the verdict hours before the actual ceremony.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Manchester United legend Ferdinand had backed Vinicius to win the prestigious Golden Ball, endorsing him on several occasions during the 2023-24 Champions League final between Real and Borussia Dortmund. Now that the award ceremony is over, the ex-England international has explained why he favoured Vinicius over Rodri.

  WHAT RIO FERDINAND SAID

  Speaking on TNT Sports, the 45-year-old said: “I think the fact that Spain won the Euros and obviously Vinicius didn’t really perform in Copa America. But what I would say, is I am not against Rodri winning it. Rodri is a phenomenal footballer, I love him, I think he is the best midfielder in the world, the best conductor in the game and I am not against him winning it at all. My personal preference, when I look at the Ballon d’Or is the person who is the maverick.

  “Someone who gets you off your seat, gets you screaming in a stadium or at home on your sofa with a moment. Who is a match winner, who changes the game. So that’s what my preference is, personally. But no point saying Rodri is undeserving of this title because he is a phenomenal footballer.”

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Vinicius Jr. netted his first goal since the Ballon d’Or snub in Real Madrid’s 3-1 loss to AC Milan in the Champions League on Tuesday. He will be next seen in action against Osasuna on Saturday in La Liga. Rodri, on the other hand, is unlikely to feature for City again in the current campaign after suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal earlier in the season.