When Rodri was crowned Ballon d’Or winner last year, it felt like the start of a new era. The midfield general had orchestrated Manchester City’s treble with commanding performances, establishing himself as the heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s empire. Many believed he was set to dominate the award for years to come.
But the football world was left reeling this morning as France Football announced the new shortlist — and Rodri’s name was nowhere to be found. The shocking omission has sparked uproar across social media, with fans and pundits alike questioning how a reigning winner could be so swiftly discarded.
Critics point to a difficult year marred by injuries and inconsistency, but supporters argue the snub is disrespectful to a player still performing at the highest level. “This is a disgrace,” one fan tweeted. “You don’t just erase last year’s Ballon d’Or like he never existed.”
Meanwhile, whispers from inside the voting committee suggest political factors may have played a role. With younger stars like Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé dominating headlines, Rodri may have simply been swept aside in football’s relentless chase for the “next big thing.”
Whatever the reason, the fallout is seismic. Rodri now holds a strange place in history: the first-ever Ballon d’Or winner to vanish from the conversation just one year later. For some, it’s proof the award has lost its credibility. For others, it’s a reminder of just how quickly the beautiful game can turn its back on its heroes.