'Knowing how to lose is important' - Man City star Rodri seems to aim dig at Vinicius Jr over Ballon d'Or boycott after scooping award ahead of Real Madrid sensation

Much has been made of Vinicius Jr and his Real Madrid team-mates electing not to be present at the awards ceremony for the Ballon d'Or, and now Rodri has gone public with what appears to be a subtle dig at the Brazilian superstar.

When Real Madrid won in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund in June, a game in which Vinicius scored, he was tipped as the favourite to win the award for the world's best player.

However, just over a month later, Rodri proved key in Spain's successful European Championship campaign, where they won the tournament without losing a game. Sharing the two biggest trophies on offer, the race for the Ballon d'Or became a two-horse race between Manchester City's defensive maestro and Real Madrid's electric winger.

With Rodri out injured since City's 2-2 draw with Arsenal in September, Vinicius was free to make a case for himself with his competitor out for the remainder of the season, but it wouldn't be enough. Rodri was announced as the best men's player in the world, while Vinicius chose to stay in Madrid, which the City star seemingly couldn't fail to notice.

In an interview with France Football, Rodri reflected on winning the award, saying: "When your value is recognised at a very high level, final winner or not, it's good to come [to the awards ceremony]. Besides, there is also the collective aspect that's important. For example, last year Erling [Haaland] was in a better position than me to win. I wanted to come to support him in a special moment."

Rodri added: "Knowing how to win but also knowing how to lose is important. And then this year, with my injury and the rehabilitation, this event was like a breath of fresh air. So when I made the decision to come, it was above all to enjoy this superb evening."

Rodri is just the third defensive player to win the best men's player award since 1996, alongside Fabio Cannavaro and Matthias Sammer. He is just the second defensive midfielder to win the award.

With Rodri set to mess the entire season with a cruciate ligament injury, he will be forced to watch Manchester City from the sidelines until the summer. Manchester City take on Brighton away from home this weekend, the sort of game where they would desperately need their Spanish midfielder to break up the Seagull's lightening-quick attacks.