Carlo Ancelotti backs Real Madrid's Ballon d'Or snub ahead of Man City clash

The Italian coach revealed that Vinicius Jr deserved to win Ballon d’Or ahead of Rodri

Carlo Ancelotti, the coach of Real Madrid, has justified his team’s choice to abstain from the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year.

The Spanish powerhouses chose not to attend the famous presentation in Paris in October because they believed Vinicius Jr should have received the prize and not Manchester City midfielder Rodri.

Many people were critical of Real’s action, arguing that it was disrespectful and trivial. It also cost Ancelotti the opportunity to pick up his coach of the year title in person.

However, the 65-year-old former Chelsea, Juventus, and AC Milan coach stated prior to Tuesday’s Champions League play-off matchup with City at Etihad Stadium: “I don’t think it was the wrong decision.”

“We thought Vini was the winner of the Ballon D’Or. It doesn’t mean we don’t respect Rodri because he is a fantastic player. I think Rodri deserved to win it the year before.”

🚨 Ancelotti: “Not to attend the Ballon d’Or Gala was not a wrong decision. We didn't attend because we thought Vini Jr was the clear winner of the Ballon d’Or”.“Nothing against Rodri, I think he should have won it the year before”. pic.twitter.com/xHxMatv2sb

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2025

After leading Paris St-Germain to the French league championship in 2023 and Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi took home the prize for an unprecedented eighth time. After that, he joined Inter Miami of Major League Soccer, where he won the Leagues Cup, a competition between Mexican and MLS teams.

Rodri played a key role in City’s 2022–2023 treble victory, helping them defeat Inter Milan in the Champions League final. He also was crucial in driving Spain to the 2024 Euro trophy against England in the final.

Pep Guardiola, the manager of Man City, stated that there was “absolutely not” any animosity at his club regarding the incident.

Rodri’s cruciate knee injury will keep him out of the game, but Vinicius Jr. is anticipated to start for a Real Madrid team bereft of several important defenders due to injuries. Ancelotti has called the situation an “emergency” and has reported the absence of Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Dani Carvajal.

Even though City have also struggled this season and lost 5-1 to Arsenal eight days ago, Ancelotti does not anticipate a easy evening.

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