Aguero Blasts Real Madrid’s “Entitled” Boycott After Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Triumph
Real Madrid made a headline-grabbing decision to skip the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris after learning that Rodri, not Vinicius Junior or Jude Bellingham, was set to claim the award. Their absence didn’t go unnoticed—and neither did Sergio Aguero’s fiery response.
In an apparent protest, Real Madrid’s top figures, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, president Florentino Perez, and stars like Vinicius, Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, stayed away from the event. Their absence was a message, as a club statement explained: “If the award criteria doesn’t give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner…Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected.”
Former Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero, however, had no sympathy. Speaking on his streaming channel, Aguero dismissed Real Madrid’s stance, declaring, “Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the world. Football is for everyone, not just Real Madrid—they are so entitled.”
Aguero’s support for Rodri wasn’t surprising, given his ties to Manchester City and his history with Real Madrid’s fierce rivals, Atletico Madrid and Barcelona. In September, Aguero showed his unwavering support for Rodri, tweeting, “A perfect year, you deserve it. Come on, Rodri!”
While Madrid’s absence cast a shadow, Rodri’s acceptance speech was one of gratitude and humility. He honored his family, teammates, and gave special mentions to Dani Carvajal and rising star Lamine Yamal. Reflecting on Carvajal’s support, he later shared with Movistar Plus+, “I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me…He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club, and of giving everything.”
In his heartfelt speech, Rodri expressed appreciation for Spanish football as a whole, saying, “This is not just a victory for me, but for Spanish football. So many players who didn’t win the award but deserved it—this is a victory of Spanish football.”
Rodri’s words struck a chord, emphasizing that this win celebrated not only his achievements but the collective spirit of Spanish football, in sharp contrast to Real Madrid’s dramatic stance on the night.
