Madrid Fury Over Rodri's Ballon d'Or, Ancelotti's "Whoever"
The 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony has left Real Madrid fans fuming, with the Spanish club's supporters feeling their star midfielder Rodri was unjustly overlooked. While the award went to Lionel Messi, many in the Bernabéu faithful believe Rodri's exceptional season with Manchester City warranted serious consideration.
The frustration was further amplified by Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti's nonchalant response to the award ceremony. In a post-match press conference following the victory over Getafe, Ancelotti was asked about Rodri's snub. His response, "Whoever won, it doesn't matter to me," ignited a firestorm of criticism among Madrid fans.
Ancelotti's "Whoever" comment was perceived as a lack of support for Rodri, a player who spent four successful seasons with Real Madrid before moving to Manchester City in 2019. Fans felt the Italian manager should have been more vocal in praising Rodri's achievements, especially considering the player's strong connection with the club.
It's important to acknowledge that the Ballon d'Or is a subjective award. While Rodri's performance in Manchester City's treble-winning season was undoubtedly impressive, Messi's record-breaking performance in the Inter Miami jersey also deserves recognition.
However, the frustration stems from a sense of perceived injustice. Rodri's impact on City's success was undeniable, and many in the Madrid fanbase felt his contribution deserved more attention. Ancelotti's seemingly indifferent reaction further fueled their anger, painting a picture of a manager out of touch with the sentiment of his former player's achievements.
This incident underscores the deep connection between players and fans, especially when it comes to awards like the Ballon d'Or. While the award is ultimately a matter of individual preference, the controversy highlights the emotional significance of recognizing individual achievements, particularly for players who have previously played a significant role in a club's history.