Rodri reveals Real Madrid star and Ballon d'Or award rival reached out despite club rage

Rodri has revealed how Spain team-mate Dani Carvajal reached out to congratulate him on winning the Ballon d'Or - despite his club Real Madrid snubbing the awards night.

The Manchester City midfielder unexpectedly beat favourite Vinicius Junior to the award in Paris, after helping City secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title and playing a crucial role in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.

However, the decision, voted for by journalists worldwide, was met with discontent in the Spanish capital, with Real boycotting the event due to perceived disrespect. Manager Carlo Ancelotti, club president Florentino Perez, and nominated players Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Dani Carvajal, Jude Bellingham, Antonio Rudiger, and Fede Valverde all opted to stay away.

Real stated to AFP: "If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner. As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

In his acceptance speech, Rodri showed respect, thanking his family and teammates, and specifically mentioning Carvajal. Speaking to Movistar Plus+ afterwards, Rodri revealed that the Real and Spain right-back had already congratulated him.

"I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me," he said. "I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury."

Carvajal finished in fourth place, with his Real team-mates Vinicius and Bellingham in second and third respectively. Like Rodri, he is set for a long spell