Revealed: One Real Madrid star made personal phone call to Rodri after Ballon d’Or success

The 28-year-old Spain international became the first traditional defensive midfielder to win football’s most prestigious individual award since German football great Lothar Matthaus back in 1990.

In claiming the prize on Monday night, Rodri also became the first Manchester City player to win the prize in the club’s history, amid expectations that an attacking player from Pep Guardiola’s squad may take on that title over the last few seasons.

But the awards ceremony itself was marred by controversy as the entire delegation of Real Madrid, as well as trophy nominees, opted to boycott the evening as a mark of support for Vinicius Jr – whom they were convinced would become the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

Whilst Rodri went on to play down the actions of the La Liga club, alongside subsequent comments from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the midfielder has since revealed that he has received a congratulatory message from the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room.

Speaking in light of his historic Ballon d’Or success in the French capital on Monday night, the Manchester City midfielder told reporters in Paris, “I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me.”

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Revealed: One Real Madrid star made personal phone call to Rodri after Ballon d’Or successPublished: 12:15 on October 31st 2024 | Last Updated: 10:37 on October 31st 2024By Freddie Pye
Rodrigo of Manchester City wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or at The Theatre Du Chatelet on October 28, 2024 in Paris, France (Photo by Tom Flathers/Manchester City FC)

Image: Manchester City FC Official Photography Library. Source: SmartFrame.

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Manchester City’s Rodri has revealed he received a personal phone call from one Real Madrid star after winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or award this week.

The 28-year-old Spain international became the first traditional defensive midfielder to win football’s most prestigious individual award since German football great Lothar Matthaus back in 1990.

In claiming the prize on Monday night, Rodri also became the first Manchester City player to win the prize in the club’s history, amid expectations that an attacking player from Pep Guardiola’s squad may take on that title over the last few seasons.

But the awards ceremony itself was marred by controversy as the entire delegation of Real Madrid, as well as trophy nominees, opted to boycott the evening as a mark of support for Vinicius Jr – whom they were convinced would become the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner.

Whilst Rodri went on to play down the actions of the La Liga club, alongside subsequent comments from Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, the midfielder has since revealed that he has received a congratulatory message from the Santiago Bernabeu dressing room.

Speaking in light of his historic Ballon d’Or success in the French capital on Monday night, the Manchester City midfielder told reporters in Paris, “I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me.”

Rodri continued, “I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything.

“We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury.”

Rodri is likely to present his Ballon d’Or trophy to the Etihad Stadium faithful at the earliest next opportunity, but remains solely focussed on his recovery process after a serious knee injury sustained in September.

Manchester City are set to be without their global superstar for the remainder of the ongoing season, and whilst there has been some tenuous conversation over a return for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, the 2025/26 season is likely to be their main focus.