Guardiola’s Measured Comments on Real Madrid’s Ballon d’Or Absence

Manchester City midfielder Rodri attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony. It appears Manchester City views Real Madrid’s non-attendance at the event as an unfavorable reflection on the Spanish club. Real Madrid possessed a valid contention for the accolade. Even Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola acknowledged that Vinicius Jr would have been a deserving recipient. Nevertheless, despite Guardiola’s assertion that Real Madrid’s absence was inconsequential – particularly given that Carlo Ancelotti surpassed Guardiola for the coach of the year award, and Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham secured the second and third positions for the primary player award – his statements contained an element of criticism. Guardiola drew attention to the fact that Erling Haaland was bypassed for the 2023 award, which was instead given to Lionel Messi, despite Manchester City’s achievement of the Treble and Haaland’s remarkable tally of 52 goals. Guardiola stated, “If you are in the first two or three, it’s exceptional. It means you have done an incredible year and you have to be so satisfied.”