Ballon d'Or: How Barcelona Players Celebrated Rodri Winning Award Ahead of Vinicius

• Barcelona players were thrilled after Manchester City’s Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d'Or, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior
• Vinicius was considered a strong favourite for the prestigious honour following his instrumental role for Real Madrid last season
• Rodri’s victory marks him as the first midfielder since Luka Modric in 2018 to clinch the Ballon d'Or

Many Barcelona players reportedly passionately celebrated after Manchester City star Rodri won the Ballon d'Or ahead of Vinicius Junior.

Rodri became the first Spaniard since 1960 to win the prestigious award in a shocking announcement on Monday night.

Vinicius was initially seen as the favourite after his remarkable season leading Real Madrid to both league and Champions League titles, per CNN.

However, as the ceremony approached in the afternoon, it became clear Rodri was instead being crowned football's new king.

Read also

Video shows how newly crowned Ballon d'Or winner Rodri celebrated his victory

How Barcelona stars reacted to Rodri's win

According to Tribuna, quite a few Barcelona players were delighted that the Brazilian superstar did not win it, which they took as a major plus point.

The reports further state that some of Barca's stars even shared memes on social media, suggesting the Ballon d'Or outcome was “karma” for Vinicius.

This was because of how 24-year-old Vinicius had boasted about how he would win the coveted prize during the El Clasico on Saturday night at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

Many Barça players also sent congratulatory messages to Rodri, praising him for prevailing over Vinicius and securing Spain's return to Ballon d'Or glory.

Bellingham, Mbappe silent on Vinicius' Ballon d'Or snub

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported an unexpected silence from Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe, considered close allies of Vinicius Junior at Real Madrid, regarding his Ballon d'Or outcome.

Read also

Real Madrid Star Congratulates Rodri After Beating Vinicius to Ballon d'Or

Their lack of response has sparked curiosity, especially given that several other squad members publicly voiced their support for Vinicius.

How much Rodri earned after Ballon d'Or success

YEN.com.gh also reported on how much newly minted Ballon d'Or winner Rodri will receive after collecting the prize.

It might be the most lucrative individual award in football, but the winner does not receive any monetary gains.

Source: YEN.com.gh