Pep Guardiola acknowledges Real Madrid's decision not to attend the Ballon d'Or event, asserting that it's their right to do so.
Rodri claimed the prestigious award in Paris, recognized for his instrumental role in Manchester City's record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title and his part in Spain's Euro 2024 win.
The midfielder's significance is underscored by Manchester City's unbeaten streak in the 34 Premier League matches he played in this year.
Rodri narrowly edged out Vinicius Junior for the honor, with the player and his club causing a stir by not showing up after learning he wouldn't be the winner.
Last season, the Madrid winger scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists, contributing to the team's double win in LaLiga and the Champions League.
Guardiola expresses sympathy for Vinicius, whom he believes also merited the award, and points out other close calls in past years where the outcome could have swung either way.
"It's their decision," Manchester City's boss remarked. "If they choose to congratulate, that's acceptable. If not, that's fine too. We at Manchester City don't judge other clubs on their choices."
"Last year, Erling [Haaland] achieved the Treble and scored over 50 goals. I told him: 'Just being nominated is a joy.' I conveyed the same sentiment to Rodri. Being among the top contenders is remarkable. You should be very proud."
"Last season, could Erling have won? Certainly. Could Messi have won? Absolutely. It's not about who wins. It signifies that you and your teammates have achieved something special that season."
"Should Vinicius have won? Possibly. It's [decided by] journalists worldwide, not a select group. It reflects a global consensus, not just one country's opinion. The diversity of views is what makes football great, isn't it?"
"Of course, if [Vinicius] had won, it would have been well-deserved. The same goes for Erling [Haaland] last year. The competition is truly open. There are more opportunities to win."
Guardiola also commended Rodri, who became only the third Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or after Alfredo di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).
The midfielder was also the first Spaniard in the top three since Andres Iniesta in 2012, and Guardiola recognized the dominance of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo over the years.
"Rodri gave an incredible speech," Guardiola added. "He spoke about his family, Manchester City, and Spanish football."
"In the last decade, Spanish football has made a significant impact - they've won a World Cup, a Euros - yet Spain had never won this award before. Their contribution over the past 10 to
