Why Did Rodri won the ballon'door

How Rodri Won the 2023 Ballon d'Or Over Vinícius Jr.: A Closer Look The Ballon d'Or, an award for the world's best footballer, always sparks intense discussions and debates. This year, that debate has centered on Rodri’s triumph over the incredible Brazilian forward, Vinícius Jr. With both players showcasing phenomenal talent, each was deserving in their own right, but Rodri’s consistency, leadership, and key performances tipped the scales. Here’s a closer look at why Rodri was awarded the Ballon d'Or over Vinícius Jr. this year. 1. Consistency and Influence at Manchester City Rodri has been the engine of Manchester City's midfield, consistently performing at a top level week after week. While flashy goals and highlight-reel dribbles are eye-catching, Rodri’s game has been about setting the tempo, controlling possession, and making the players around him look good. His passing accuracy, tactical intelligence, and ability to read the game transformed City’s midfield, allowing them to dominate both domestic and European competitions. In contrast, Vinícius Jr. is known for his explosive speed, creativity, and game-changing goals. However, he’s still refining his consistency. Rodri's constant influence and rock-solid reliability likely gave him the edge over Vinícius in the eyes of Ballon d'Or voters. 2. Key Contributions in Big Games One of the defining moments for Rodri’s Ballon d'Or campaign was his outstanding performance in the UEFA Champions League final, where Manchester City clinched their first-ever Champions League title. His crucial goal against Inter Milan secured a 1-0 victory, sealing the trophy and proving he can deliver when it matters most. Vinícius Jr. also had strong performances, especially in La Liga, and demonstrated his scoring and playmaking abilities. However, with Real Madrid falling short in Europe this year, Vinícius missed a key chance to showcase his talents on the sport’s biggest stage, which could have swayed some voters toward Rodri’s clutch moments in crucial games. 3. Role in Manchester City's Treble Manchester City's historic treble—winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Champions League—was a rare achievement, and Rodri’s role in this accomplishment was instrumental. Throughout the campaign, he maintained a level of play that held City’s midfield together, allowing players like Kevin De Bruyne, Phil Foden, and Erling Haaland to focus on their attacking roles. The team’s success in multiple competitions made Rodri a standout figure, as he contributed to City’s ability to secure trophies across the board. Vinícius Jr., while individually brilliant, did not have the same level of team success this season. Real Madrid didn’t manage to win La Liga or the Champions League, which are often key factors when it comes to Ballon d'Or voting. Rodri’s role in Manchester City's unprecedented achievement was impossible to ignore. 4. Defensive Prowess and Versatility Rodri is more than just a passer and playmaker; he’s a complete midfielder who can also defend. His defensive contributions—interceptions, tackles, and the ability to break up play—are all essential parts of his game. This versatility has allowed him to dominate games not only as a traditional midfielder but as a crucial link between City’s defense and attack. Vinícius Jr., as a forward, excels in attacking but does not have the same defensive responsibilities as Rodri. In modern football, where versatility is increasingly valued, Rodri’s all-around skill set likely contributed to his recognition over an attack-focused player like Vinícius. 5. Maturity and Leadership Despite being only 27, Rodri has shown exceptional maturity and leadership qualities on and off the pitch. He often acts as a leader for Manchester City, and his professionalism and work ethic are well-regarded by teammates and fans alike. These attributes, while intangible, often carry weight in award considerations. Vinícius Jr. is certainly a talented player, but as a young forward, he’s still developing into his role and leadership qualities. In contrast, Rodri’s maturity and established presence on a championship-winning team solidified his position as a deserving Ballon d'Or recipient. 6. Team Success and Personal Achievement In Ballon d'Or voting, team success and personal achievement are both important. While individual skills are significant, a player who helps their team win major trophies has an added advantage. Rodri's role in Manchester City's three major trophies this season emphasized his impact on his team’s overall success. Vinícius, despite his incredible individual achievements and improvement, fell just short on the team success front, which may have made the difference in the final voting. Conclusion Both Rodri and Vinícius Jr. had seasons worthy of recognition, but the Ballon d'Or often rewards a blend of individual brilliance and team success. Rodri's consistency, ability to shine in critical games, his role in a historic treble-winning side, and his all-around versatility put him just ahead of Vinícius in the eyes of the voters. It’s a testament to the strength of both players, and while Vinícius Jr. might not have taken the Ballon d'Or this year, his bright future and talent suggest his time may come soon. For now, Rodri’s win celebrates a year where he was the complete midfielder and a key player in one of the greatest seasons in Manchester City's history.