Sport

Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or and Votes Real Madrid’s Carvajal and Vinicius

Published

6 months ago

November 12, 2024

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

Manchester City’s star midfielder, Rodri, recently shared his surprising picks for the 2024 Ballon d’Or votes.

Despite his stellar performances this season, which ultimately earned him the prestigious title, he didn’t put himself on top when voting for the award.

Instead, he revealed he cast his vote for two Real Madrid standouts, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior, selecting Carvajal as his second choice and Vinicius as his third.

Rodri’s win at the 2024 Ballon d’Or awards marks a major milestone in his career.

At 28, he’s risen to become one of football’s most consistent midfielders, playing a crucial role for both his club and country.

His contribution helped Manchester City secure another Premier League title, and he played a pivotal role in leading Spain to a memorable victory at Euro 2024 in Germany, further solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.

Reflecting on his votes, Rodri mentioned that he admired Carvajal’s defensive skills and leadership on the field, while Vinicius’s rapid growth and fearless style impressed him.

Both players, known for their dynamic performances at Real Madrid, have shown resilience and passion, becoming key figures in Spanish football.

Carvajal, with his wealth of experience, continues to be a defensive rock for Real Madrid, while Vinicius, at just 24, is carving his place as one of the world’s most exciting young talents, known for his explosive pace and creative flair.

In his interview with Partidazo Cope, Rodri expressed his admiration for his fellow players, stating, “I’d vote Dani Carvajal as 2nd at the Ballon d’Or and Vinicius Jr as 3rd.”

He also mentioned his respect for both players’ contributions on and off the field.

Sport

Messi Sits Out as Inter Miami Lose 4-3 to FC Dallas

Published

7 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

Lionel Messi had to watch from the sidelines as Inter Miami collapsed from a two-goal advantage to suffer a 4-3 defeat against FC Dallas on Sunday. Messi, along with Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suarez, was rested for the game as manager Javier Mascherano kept his key players fresh for their upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cup clash.

Without their stars, Miami slipped to their first loss of the 2025 MLS season, throwing away a 3-1 lead and dropping to fifth place in the Eastern Conference with 18 points. After the final whistle, Mascherano took the blame for the defeat, admitting his decisions cost the team. “It’s tough,” he said.

“For 65 minutes we were in control and had turned the game around, but I misread the situation. I made some wrong calls and couldn’t guide the players the way I should have.”

Sport

Ancelotti Says Copa del Rey Defeat to Barcelona Hurt Him

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2025

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has admitted he was left hurt after his side’s painful loss to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday night.

Ancelotti watched his team battle hard but fall short as Barcelona edged a 3-2 win to lift the trophy. Goals from Pedri, Ferran Torres, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Kylian Mbappé saw the match locked at 2-2 after full-time, before Jules Kounde grabbed the winner for Hansi Flick’s side in extra time. After the match, Ancelotti said it was tough to accept because Real Madrid had fought till the end.

“We dominated the second half and gave everything. I can’t fault the players, they did their best,” he said. “I’m hurt because we were so close to winning.” He added that the team would now turn their full focus to La Liga, where they are currently second, trailing Barcelona by four points.

Entertainment

Odumodublvck Says Lamine Yamal Is Better Than Young Messi

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2025

Gift Ogieva

Photo source: Google

Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known as Odumodublvck, has stirred conversation online after saying Barcelona’s rising star, Lamine Yamal, is better than football icon Lionel Messi.

The rapper shared his thoughts after Yamal’s standout performance in Barcelona’s thrilling 3-2 win over Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final, where the 17-year-old winger delivered two crucial assists to help secure the trophy.

Praising Yamal’s display, Odumodublvck boldly stated that Messi, even during his teenage years, didn’t reach the level Yamal is showing now. Taking to his X page, he wrote, “Yamal is better than Lionel Messi. Na me, Kala, talk am. At 17, Messi no touch this level. I watched him live. Nobody fit whine me.”