Ahead of their Champions League matchup, Manchester City plans to use a vicious five-word banner about Rodri to taunt Real Madrid and Vinicius Jr.
On Tuesday, Man City will host Real Madrid at the Etihad for the first leg of their Champions League play-off match.
The two clubs, who faced each other in the competition’s quarterfinals last year, are facing each other again in Europe.
Even though Real Madrid won the Champions League, Rodri took home the coveted individual award, and Vinicius Jr. was passed over for the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
Real declined the invitation to the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and Rodri defeated Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Because they felt Vinicius Jr. should have received the award rather than Rodri, real players and staff chose not to attend the gala event.
According to the Man City supporters’ group @WeAre1894, Man City will raise a banner directed at their European rivals before Vinicius Jr. and company take to the Etihad pitch.
A Man City banner is scheduled to be unveiled just minutes before kickoff.
The banner, which features Rodri kissing the Ballon d’Or, reads, “Stop crying your heart out.”
Spanish journalist Jose Luis Sanchez claims that Real Madrid is “not bothered” by Man City’s banner and that Vinicius Jr. is “even more motivated” for the game now that he is aware of the message.
Naturally, the aftermath of last year’s Ballon d’Or has dominated the build-up to Man City vs. Real.
“Happy for Rodri,” Pep Guardiola said when asked about the situation.
“Vinicius also had a remarkable year. He was worthy. similar to when Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi were battling for it. The topic is now over.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti defended his team’s choice to abstain from the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
He clarified, “I don’t think it was the wrong decision,”
“We believed Vini to be the Ballon d’Or winner. Since Rodri is an amazing player, it does not follow that we do not respect him. Rodri should have won it the previous year, in my opinion.
Real Madrid and Manchester City are vying for a Champions League last-16 berth, and their play-off second leg is set for next Wednesday.
