Real Madrid Fans in Uproar After Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Win—but Aim Their Frustration at the Wrong Player!
Manchester City’s Rodri celebrated his first-ever Ballon d’Or win at a star-studded ceremony in Paris, crowning an extraordinary year that included winning Euro 2024 and another Premier League title. But the moment sparked unexpected chaos online, with furious Real Madrid fans mistakenly sending their wrath to Argentina’s Rodrigo de Paul instead of Rodri.
Rodri narrowly beat out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who had a stellar season helping his team capture La Liga and the Champions League titles. Outraged by the decision, Real Madrid supporters flocked to social media to express their disappointment—only to end up directing their messages to the wrong Instagram account. Rodrigo de Paul’s inbox was flooded with messages like, “How dare you rob Vini,” and “You don’t deserve Ballon d’Or,” leaving many fans confused and amused by the misfire.
Other fans quickly stepped in to correct the error. One wrote, “Those Real Madrid fans are unbelievable,” while another said, “Real Madrid clowns are here commenting you robbed Ballon d’Or. He is not Rodri; he is Rodri De Paul.” Another reminded, “Guys, leave him alone. He’s not the one who won the Ballon d’Or. RESEARCH FIRST BEFORE HATING.”
Rodrigo de Paul, who had a fantastic year and was named in the 2024 Copa America Team of the Tournament, didn’t comment on the situation. He did, however, share his support for fellow Argentinian and Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez, who took home his second Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper, posting blue and white hearts in celebration.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s official response was as fiery as their fans’ backlash. The club released a scathing statement saying, “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.” The reaction underscored a mounting frustration among the Spanish giants, who also chose to boycott the ceremony entirely.
In a defiant post, Vinicius himself shared his reaction to the result, writing, “I’ll do it 10 times if I have to. They’re not ready.” As the controversy rages on, fans are left debating whether the award should have gone to Vinicius—but one thing is clear: this Ballon d’Or season will be remembered as much for its drama as for its winners.
