In the aftermath of the 2025 Ballon d’Or award, which saw Rodri walk away with the prestigious title, Kylian Mbappé has broken his silence.
The decision to hand the award to the Manchester City midfielder, especially over Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr., has sparked significant controversy in the football world.
Rodri’s Triumph Over Vinícius Jr.
The Ballon d’Or, given annually to the best player in the world based on a calendar year’s performance, has often been a stage for strikers and wingers.
In 2024, Rodri’s accomplishments were undeniable: he helped Spain secure the European Championship, led Manchester City to a Premier League title, and lifted the Club World Cup trophy.
While these achievements were significant, many believed Vinícius Jr. was the clear favorite after guiding Real Madrid to victories in both the Champions League and LaLiga.
Yet, to the shock of many, it was Rodri who took home the award.
The decision caused an uproar, leading Real Madrid to boycott the event entirely, sending no representatives to collect their team award.
This unusual protest underscored the disappointment felt by the club, which had expected Vinícius to take the top honor.
Mbappé’s Reaction to the Ballon d’Or Controversy
Mbappé, who plays alongside Vinícius Jr. at Real Madrid, was asked for his thoughts on Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win during an exclusive interview with Le Parisien. His response reflected the widespread surprise over the result.
“Rodri, do you consider him a Ballon d’Or player?” Mbappé questioned.
“I thought it would go to Vinícius, but in the end, it went to Rodri.
If I had told you three months earlier, you would have said, ‘What the hell are you talking about?’”
The French forward also expressed his belief that the Ballon d’Or should be open to all players, not just forwards or attacking players.
“Today, we don’t know who the Ballon d’Or will go to, except that no one should be excluded.
All players can be awarded, maybe even a goalkeeper,” he added.
A goalkeeper has not won the Ballon d’Or since Lev Yashin’s historic win in 1963, with the award mainly going to forwards or wingers over the years.
The Future of the Ballon d’Or: A Changing Landscape?
The past few years have seen a shift in the types of players who are being recognized.
Since 2025, only five non-forwards have claimed the honor: Pavel Nedvěd in 2003, Fabio Cannavaro in 2006, Kaka in 2007, Luka Modrić in 2018, and now Rodri in 2025.
This change has sparked debate about the evolving criteria for one of football’s most coveted individual prizes.
As for the 2026 Ballon d’Or, there are several strong contenders.
Mohamed Salah, despite Liverpool’s absence from the Champions League, has had an impressive season.
Vinícius Jr., Jude Bellingham, and Mbappé himself could all be in the running, particularly if Real Madrid clinches both LaLiga and the Champions League.
Barcelona’s Raphinha, in exceptional form, might also have a shot.
And let’s not forget Harry Kane, whose stellar performances for Bayern Munich have kept him in the conversation.
Ultimately, the Champions League’s outcome may be pivotal in deciding the next Ballon d’Or winner, and whether a fresh face—like a goalkeeper—could finally break through in the future remains to be seen.