Rodri Hernandez’s recent Ballon d’Or victory over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior has sparked intense reactions from the Spanish capital.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or Win: A Personal Call from Carvajal Amid Madrid’s Public Backlash

However, in a refreshing twist, Dani Carvajal, one of Madrid’s own, reached out personally to congratulate his fellow Spaniard, cutting through the tension surrounding the award.
After Rodri’s unexpected win, Real Madrid voiced strong disapproval over the Ballon d’Or criteria, leading to a full boycott of the ceremony.
The club’s officials, including manager Carlo Ancelotti, president Florentino Perez, and top players like Vinicius, Jude Bellingham, and Carvajal, all opted out in protest.
Madrid released a statement calling out the awards as biased, expressing their belief that Vinicius or Carvajal deserved the title.
Rodri, who has been a standout for both Manchester City and Spain, acknowledged the unusual situation with grace.
During his acceptance speech, he paid homage to his teammates and highlighted Carvajal, whom he believes exemplifies values similar to his own: dedication, loyalty, and a passion for the club and country.
He revealed in a post-ceremony interview with Movistar Plus+ that Carvajal called him with genuine happiness for his win, despite Madrid’s larger stance on the matter.
“It’s touching when a colleague reaches out, especially someone who values teamwork like Dani,” Rodri shared, adding that their connection deepened after both recently suffered injuries.
Rodri, in his speech, expressed gratitude to City and the Spanish national team, dedicating the win to the broader landscape of Spanish football.
Madrid’s reaction may have cast shadows on the night, but Carvajal’s call reminded Rodri — and fans alike — that genuine camaraderie can exist even amid fierce rivalries.