'Football is for everyone!' - Sergio Aguero slams 'entitled' Real Madrid for reaction to Vinicius Junior Ballon d'Or loss as Man City legend insists Rodri deserved 'best in the world' title

Real Madrid did not take news that Vinicius Jr had missed out on the Ballon d'Or to Rodri at all well. Los Blancos issued a furious statement accusing UEFA and France Football of "disrespect" and boycotted the ceremony in Paris. Real Madrid team-mate Eduardo Camavinga has also hit out at "football politics" after seeing Vinicius Jr beaten to the top prize, while fans have called Rodri's win the "biggest robbery in football history."

Rodri claimed the Ballon d'Or after a trophy-laden year where he helped Spain win Euro 2024 and also claimed Premier League, UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup titles with Manchester City. The midfielder's win is the first time that a Manchester City player has scooped the prestigious prize, and club legend Aguero thinks that the 28-year-old deserves to be named the best male player in the world.

He said: "Well deserved. Rodri is the best player in the World. Football is for everyone not just Real Madrid, they so entitled."

Rodri has lost only one of his last 85 games for club and country. His only defeat in that time was against Erik ten Hag's Manchester United in the FA Cup final at Wembley in May.

Rodri is currently on the sidelines after being ruled out for the season with an ACL injury and will only be able to watch as Manchester City aim to deliver more trophies in 2024-25. Real Madrid are also gunning for more glory but are playing catch-up in La Liga after Sunday's Clasico defeat left them six points behind Hansi Flick's resurgent Barcelona.