Spanish legend slams Rodri’s Ballon d'Or win, calls for Real Madrid recognition

The new release of the Ballon d'Or set off fiery debates and surprise in the soccer arena. Instead of Vinícius Júnior or Jude Bellingham-Real Madrid players who had been leading the discussions-the selection of Rodri, Manchester City midfielder, as the "world's best" released a wave of criticism. Among the irritated was none other than Iker Casillas, Real Madrid and Spain national-team goalkeeping great, who made his discontent known by claiming the award is anything but fair or consistent. To him, if there needed to be a Spaniard handed the prize, the right name was Carvajal, not Rodri.

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Casillas: "Absurd, No Criteria"

With every word, Casillas made his feelings known crystal clear about the selection of Rodri as the best in the world. He was underlining the fact that the Manchester City midfielder had been ruled out for a month and a half, and yet he found it funny that candor was missing while selecting him.

That doesn't make any sense to me," Casillas said. "If you have to give it to a Spaniard, in any case, it should go to Carvajal. Rodri has been injured for a month and a half. For me, it's an absurd prize. There's no criteria; I don't know who the hell selects them or who votes.

Casillas' discontent is palpable; he also shares this kind of sentiment with the fans and experts. To him, these people who decide on the criteria are out of touch with the actual performances of players, hence their choices verge on absurdity. The former goalkeeper went ahead to sarcastically question the people behind such an award.

"I don't care if later on they explain who votes, whether it's captains, national team coaches, or the President of Malaysia," Casillas concluded, leaving no doubt about his distrust of the voters.

Real Madrid's Discontent: Snubbed and Ceremony Attendance Canceled

The scandal didn't remain in Casillas' hands. Real Madrid, when they knew about Rodri's triumph, took radical measures: the club cancelled the trip of a delegation of 50 people to the ceremony in Paris. In a note, the club manifested, "UEFA's Ballon d'Or does not respect Real Madrid." For the Spanish club, the award should be for Vinícius Júnior or at least Dani Carvajal.

But the reaction of Real Madrid shows how deeply this award can touch the pride and history of clubs. To the Madridistas, who watched Vinícius Júnior shine in the latest Champions League and Dani Carvajal secure Spain's Euro Cup title, the exclusion of their players from the awards is an affront to the dedication and skill shown on the field.

The Case for Vinícius Júnior and Neglect for Spain

Casillas's critique is not only directed at Rodri's situation but also remembered that between the years 2008 and 2012, at which period Spain won a World Cup and two Euros, no Spanish player won the Ballon d'Or.

"There's no criteria; nothing shows what it's based on. I also don't understand how between 2008 and 2012 no Spanish player won the Ballon d'Or, even when we won the World Cup," Casillas commented.

The kind of comment that will get under the skin of the Spanish, who have always hoped to see their stars recognized on the world stage. Real Madrid fans are experiencing bitter déjà vu watching Vini Jr.'s case after having watched the Brazilian dominate the last Champions League only to lose out on the crown of the world's best. The fact that he received such few votes is, to many, an indictment of some sort of "institutionalized injustice" in the Ballon d'Or, where players in more mediacentric leagues and clubs have an advantage.