Rodri has issued a response to Cristiano Ronaldo labelling the Ballon d’Or 'unfair' after the Manchester City star was awarded the prize in October.

Ronaldo had appeared to question the credibility of the historic awards ceremony while he was attending the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.

The event had seen Vinicius Jr was named the best men’s footballer of the year, while Rodri had claimed the equivalent award at the Ballon d’Or in Paris.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner insisted that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr also should have received the honour for his achievements in 2024.

Ronaldo said: ‘Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d’Or, in my opinion it was clear.

‘It was unfair. This is why I love Globe Soccer Awards, they are honest.’

Rodri was asked about Ronaldo's statement in an interview with Spanish newspaper AS, with the star labelling the comments as a 'surprise'.

'Well, it was a surprise, really, because he knows better than anyone how this award works and, above all, how the winner is chosen,' Rodri said.

'This year, the journalists who vote have decided that I should win it. 

'Probably, these same journalists were the ones who at some point voted for him to win it, and I imagine that then he would have agreed.'

Rodri had claimed the Men's Ballon d'Or after helping City to become the first team ever to win four consecutive top flight titles in England.

The midfielder also served as an integral component in Luis de la Fuente's Euro 2024-winning Spain side.

Rodri, who had lost only one club game in 18 months, became the first player from the Premier League to achieve the feat since Ronaldo himself with Manchester United in 2008.

His triumph proved controversial with Real Madrid opting to withdraw a 50-strong delegation just hours before their ceremony.

The Spanish giants had reportedly been tipped off that Vinicius, who had been the bookies' favourite for the prize, had not won.

Since the ceremony, Vinicius has scooped the Best FIFA Men's Player award, as well as being honoured at the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards.