Ballon d'Or winner Rodri has revealed the player he would've chosen to be runner-up for the prestigious award instead of Vinicius Junior.
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Prior to the Golden Ball award ceremony, the general consensus was that the Brazilian forward would claim the prize.
It came as a shock to many when news broke that, instead of the skilful winger taking home the highly coveted prize, it would be Manchester City's talisman who would be its recipient, as he became the first player from the Premier League champions to claim the award and the first Spaniard to win it in 64 years.
Real Madrid were not happy with the decision and consequently decided to boycott the prize-giving in Paris as a result.
Speaking to COPE Radio, Rodri was asked if his main rival's non-appearance affected him in any way, and he said: "Why would it hurt me?
"It was my moment, to enjoy with my family. The last thing I'd be thinking about is people who weren't there, and didn't want to participate."
The 28-year-old Madrid native managed to help City to a record-setting four successive English title last season, while also capturing the 2024 UEFA European Championship for his nation.
Vinicius also had a trophy-laden campaign, winning La Liga and the UEFA Champions League last season, but Rodri believes it should have been Dani Carvajal who finished second, presumably because the right-back helped claim Real's titles and was also part of Spain's continental triumph.
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"I love that people vote for what they feel. It's someone's opinion," Rodri added. "I respect Vinicius hugely, and Real Madrid, and anyone who knows me knows it ... I'd vote for Carvajal, and Vinicius too. Maybe Carvajal second."
