Real Madrid president Florentino Pérez has weighed in on the Ballon d’Or debate, delivering a strong message about this year’s prestigious award.
Speaking during an event, Pérez praised Manchester City star Rodri, acknowledging his brilliance and ties to Madrid.
“Rodri is a great footballer, and he has our affection. He deserved a Ballon d’Or, but not this year—last year,” Pérez stated.
However, the Real Madrid boss was emphatic about 2023: “This one was for a Madrid player.”
While Pérez refrained from naming names, his comments highlight his steadfast belief in the dominance of Real Madrid stars in football’s biggest accolades.
His remarks come amidst heated debates over Lionel Messi’s eighth Ballon d’Or win, as fans and pundits continue to question the criteria for the award.