Pep Guardiola is “so proud” of midfielder Rodri after the Spanish international won the Ballon d’Or on Monday and believes Real Madrid’s boycott of the ceremony is “up to them”.
The Manchester City star won the ultimate individual award football has to offer at the star-studded gala in Paris, beating Madrid pair Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to the prestigious prize.
Vinicius had been widely tipped to win the award but news emerged on Monday suggesting Rodri would in fact be crowned the best player in the world.
The Spanish champions then reportedly cancelled a private jet they had booked and did not have any representatives in the French capital, despite winning a number of other awards.
Los Blancos were named the Best Club of the Year, while Carlo Ancelotti was named Best Men’s Coach. Vinicius Jr finished second behind Rodri, with Bellingham third and Dani Carvajal came fourth.
Vinicius has vowed to win the award at some point in his career but Guardiola believes Rodri is well worthy of his newfound status.
“All Manchester City, our fans, we are so proud of him,” he said.
“We could never have imagined this years ago, that one [City] player could receive this prestigious award.
“We are so delighted to share it with him and hopefully, it can give him energy to recover well for next season and be with us again."
Asked about Madrid’s boycott, Guardiola added: "It's up to them. If they want to congratulate, that's fine. If not, that's fine as well. At Manchester City, we are not here to judge other clubs on what they decide they have to do.
"Last season for example, Erling [Haaland] won the Treble, scored more than 50 goals. I said to him 'just being there, you have to be so happy'. I said the same to Rodri. If you are in the first two, three or four, it's exceptional. Last season, Erling should win, yes. Should Messi have won? Yes. It doesn't matter.
"You and your teammates have done something amazing. Should it be Vinicius? Maybe. It's not an elite group, it's journalists who vote. Rodri made an incredible speech, he spoke about family and Spanish football. In the last decade, Spanish football has made such a difference, won a World Cup, Euros, and weren't able to win this award.
"Their importance in the last 10 or 15 years has been so important. I remember once we nominated three players from La Masia, Xavi and [Andreas] Iniesta couldn't beat [Lionel] Messi, he was a monster. Only [Cristiano] Ronaldo could.”
