It’s been a long time since a group of people in the crowd at the Ballon d’Or ceremony began to openly argue. Perhaps this is a testament to how far ahead of the competition Lionel Messi was when he was nominated. But this year was different and controversial. There is a strong and palpable sense of disagreement about the ultimate winner.

The 2023/2024 season also had its share of extraordinary individual moments. The genius of Xabi Alonso’s Bayer Leverkusen winning the Bundesliga without losing a single match. Jude Bellingham’s “I am that” statements at key moments. Phil Foden is finding the spotlight again. Harry Kane’s golden boot despite a trophyless season. Cole Palmer’s coolness. Lamine Yamal’s shots that make you forget that you have school the next day. The star power was too much. But to win the Ballon d’Or, you theoretically need to be outstanding, and this year Vinicius Jr. looked almost guaranteed to win after his pivotal role in helping Real Madrid win the Champions League. However, his name was not disclosed. It was Spain and Manchester City’s Rodri who took home this coveted award.

Frankly, Rodri’s name was not a popular name among fans this year. Vinicius Jr was always at the forefront. Ask Rio Ferdinand; Vinicius used the word “Ballon d’Or” nine times while dribbling to close out Real Madrid’s game in the Champions League final. Haaland’s name was floated but City’s failure to retain the Champions League and Norway’s failure to qualify for the Euros took him out of contention. The emphasis on performing well in international tournaments continues to distort the concept of who becomes a worthy Ballon d’Or winner.

This debate continues to rage, affecting the credibility of the awards. It’s a recurring theme: If there’s a big international tournament and you’re not involved in it, you’re better off skipping the ceremony. Last year, Erling Haaland’s superb season saw City finally win the Champions League; The only trophy missing from the trophy cabinet. But despite his individual brilliance – his goals, his statistics and his impact – it looked like nothing could stop Lionel Messi from winning his eighth Ballon d’Or for his 2022 World Cup performance. This was true despite Messi missing several matches, changing teams mid-year and moving to a less competitive league. International tournaments remain the most influential factor in the results of the award. Perhaps Vinicius’ limited impact for Brazil in the Copa America played a decisive role in the minds of the selectors. Their performances in La Liga and the Champions League would have to significantly outweigh the individual achievements of the other players, as Brazil were eliminated in the quarters and Vini only scored twice.

Truth be told, even if you consider international tournaments as the main factor, Rodri is still not the first name that comes to mind. Jude Bellingham is. Bellingham played a leading role in winning La Liga, the Champions League and the Super Cup in his first year with Los Blancos. At international level he helped England reach another European final. With 27 goals and 15 assists, Bellingham eventually finished third in the Ballon d’Or, while his teammate Dani Carvajal, who finished fourth, was a rare defensive inclusion. Normally, the Ballon d’Or is almost always awarded to players who play an attacking role, so Carvajal’s inclusion is a welcome one. The defender won all three trophies with Real, then won the European Championship with Spain. So the question arises: How did Rodri beat Carvajal even though Carvajal won more last season? The answer is quite clear; Although Carvajal’s season was strong, it was not the best individual performance worthy of the award.

Rodri’s victory also raises the debate about whether he truly deserves the trophy. He wasn’t the best player in the Premier League last season. In fact, he wasn’t even the best player at City; that was Phil Foden. However, his role in City’s midfield has been crucial over the last few seasons and the team is suffering without him. He is the best defensive midfielder in the world and his performance at the Euros earned him the player of the tournament award. But therein lies the inconsistencies; The award is given not just for one tournament, but for the entire football season. He has already won awards for his performance at the Euros, so why do voters give so much importance to international tournaments when voting for the Ballon d’Or? Previously the counter-argument to this was that each tournament only took place once every four years. So now that FIFA and UEFA are increasing the number of international tournaments, should they continue to be such a determining factor?

On the day of the Ballon d’Or ceremony, a list with Rodri’s name at the top was leaked, causing the entire Real Madrid club to boycott the award. Carlo Ancelotti, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Dani Carvalho, who won the Manager of the Year award, were also absent. Vini’s snub has once again raised the question of whether racism played a role in the vote or whether it was the ongoing cold war between UEFA and Real Madrid stemming from the Super Cup drama a few seasons ago.

Other reasons given are that according to UEFA a player should be evaluated according to three criteria: individual performances, determined and impressive character, team performances and achievements, and class and fair play. Vinicius Jr has also had his fair share of outbursts, cheeky attempts to delay play or attempts to take a penalty without any contact. But dismissing his season on these grounds seems weak, as no player has ever actually lost the Ballon d’Or for bad behavior or jumping to penalties.

However, if there is one player who is a true role model, it is Rodrigo Hernández Cascante. Playing in a position that is perhaps the most obscure but plays a pivotal role in modern football, Rodri redefined how a defensive midfielder could move through the game to turn defense into attack. Far beyond his footballing abilities, where he is the best in his position and currently the best in the world, Rodri’s hard work, personality and dedication make him a role model. Perhaps the most valuable footballer without any trace on the internet, Rodri has always lived modestly, despite earning more than most people earn in their entire lives; Far from the limelight, he lived among his peers in student dormitories and drove an official vehicle. Rodri is a breath of fresh air in the glamorous world of football entertainment, a player whose game is based on self-improvement to keep the whole team working well.

Getting to know Rodri is almost like getting to know the people who work the hardest on the team, whose names are left unmentioned to give credit only to those who apply the finishing touches. But while some argue that this recognition may be a season too late, it overshadows a larger truth: perhaps football is ready to share its rewards with those who not only taste the cake but also bake it.

Raiyan Binte Rafiq He is a sports columnist for The Daily Star. He is currently pursuing his master’s degree while working freelance at INDIVISA. He also manages recruitment at Bangladesh-based Next Level Sports Management.

The views expressed in this article belong to the author.

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