The free-scoring forward had a fine season at Parc des Princes, but he wasn't the treble-winners' most important player
Say what you will about the merits of the Ballon d'Or, but last year's ceremony was undeniably dramatic. The event organisers, France Football, have always insisted that "no player or club knows who has won the Ballon d'Or" before the victor is announced on stage - but Real Madrid refused to even turn up after learning hours in advance that Rodri had beaten Vinicius Jr to the men's prize.
"It is clear that Ballon d'Or-UEFA does not respect Real Madrid," an unnamed club source told AS. "And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected." It was all very undignified and amusing, particularly when one considers that the supposedly disrespected Real were named Team of the Year at the very same ceremony they boycotted.
However, Rodri's shock success also suggested that Ballon d'Or voters are no longer as obsessed with forwards as they once were. Is there a chance, then, that we could see another surprise winner this year?
Ousmane Dembele is the understandable favourite to lift the trophy after scoring more goals than anyone else during Paris Saint-Germain's treble triumph - but was the Frenchman really their best player last season? Surely Vitinha or Achraf Hakimi would be more deserving of the ultimate individual accolade in football if we're looking at this from a purely sporting perspective?...