“It's because he deserved it more than Vinicius” – Barcelona star on Rodri's Ballon d'Or success
There has been a lot of reaction to the Ballon d'Or result since Monday, which saw Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri Hernandez beat Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior for the 2024 award. The last person in football to have his word on the matter is the defender of Barcelona Inigo Martinez, who has been an international partner of Rodri in recent years.
De Jong will start alongside Casadó in midfield tomorrow. @sergidejuan9
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) November 2, 2024
Speaking to SportMartinez took a diplomatic approach, although he admitted that he was very happy to see Rodri crowned as the winner.
“In the end, everyone has their own way of thinking. There are 100 journalists who vote and if they voted for Rodri because they believe he deserved more than Vinicius. I am happy for Rodri, I know him and the truth is that I see him there with a Ballon d'Or he made me happy. I hope to continue to see him up there for many years.
Martinez also spoke about another winner of the Ballon d'Or ceremony: Lamine Yamal. The 17-year-old Barcelona sensation brought home the Kopa Trophy on Monday.
“Lamine is a differential player, a player that is rarely seen and having him with us is a joy. Many balls pass through him, he generates a lot of nerves in the opponent and you can see it. He does not even tremble, he has “the break “, he creates chances, he scores important goals… For us he is a fundamental player, he also has a good season and we hope that he will continue to improve and see him. raise a Ballon d'Or one day.
