Rodri, who was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or two weeks ago, has addressed the controversy surrounding his celebration, which many saw as a deliberate provocation aimed at Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr. After winning the prestigious individual award, a video surfaced online showing the Spanish midfielder singing “Vinicius ciao, ciao, ciao” in what seemed like a mocking chant. The footage, shared by Manchester City, quickly went viral and stirred up significant outrage, particularly among Real Madrid supporters, who accused Rodri of disrespecting their star player.
In a bid to clear the air and put an end to the escalating controversy, Rodri appeared on the Spanish radio show *Partizado de Cope*, where he emphatically denied any intention to disrespect Vinicius. The midfielder explained that the moment was part of a private celebration and that the song was simply a lighthearted expression, typical of the rivalry between the two clubs. “People need to understand that it was all in the spirit of healthy competition. It was a private celebration,” Rodri said, emphasizing that there was no malice behind his actions. He stressed that his respect for Vinicius remains intact, noting, “I didn’t disrespect anyone; it’s just part of the rivalry. I respect Vinicius.”
Rodri also addressed the absence of Real Madrid representatives at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, where his victory over Vinicius as the award’s winner had generated mixed reactions. The Spanish international downplayed any significance of this absence, pointing out that once he won the award, he was focused solely on enjoying the moment with his family. “Once I won, it was about enjoying the moment with my family. I don’t think about those who weren’t there,” he said. He also noted that while it would have been preferable for all parties to be present, the absence of some individuals did not affect him personally. “Of course, it would have been better if everyone was present, but it doesn’t affect me,” he explained, trying to put the focus back on his personal achievement and the joy of being surrounded by his loved ones during the celebration.
Reflecting on the atmosphere in the room during the announcement of his win, Rodri revealed his surprise at the overwhelming support for Vinicius from some members of the audience. “Half of the room was shouting ‘Vinicius,’ but I felt a lot of respect. They applauded me,” he recalled, describing how, despite the mixed reactions, he felt respected by his peers and the attendees at the ceremony. This acknowledgment of the support for Vinicius, despite the rivalry between their respective clubs, showed that Rodri understood the competitive nature of football but wanted to ensure that his actions were not misunderstood as personal animosity toward the Brazilian player.
In conclusion, Rodri’s comments on the controversy sought to quell the storm that had been brewing in the media and among fans following his Ballon d’Or celebration. By clarifying that his actions were in the spirit of competition rather than disrespect, he hoped to restore focus on the positive aspects of his win and the mutual respect between players, regardless of their club affiliations.
