Rodri Wins Ballon d'Or Amid Real Madrid's Controversial Absence
Manchester City's Rodri secures Ballon d'Or, while Real Madrid boycotts ceremony due to Vinícius Jr.'s non-selection, highlighting tensions in football’s elite.
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Summary
Rodri was awarded the men's Ballon d'Or at the Paris ceremony, becoming the first Spanish defensive midfielder to win since 2018. Real Madrid's absence, a protest against the non-selection of Vinícius Júnior, sparked significant discourse among fans and pundits. Aitana Bonmatí won the women's Ballon d'Or Féminin after leading Barcelona Femení to unprecedented success. Despite Madrid's walkout, they received three awards including men's Club of the Year. The ceremony, attended by other top football stars, highlighted the rising tensions between major clubs and football governing bodies.
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History
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