Rio Ferdinand criticises Ballon d'Or criteria after Rodri success - 'I do not want to see a defender win'

Rio Ferdinand has expressed his belief that only star names should be awarded the Ballon d'Or. Manchester City midfielder Rodri picked up the prize this year, holding off stiff competition from more attacking players like Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and his Los Blancos team-mate Jude Bellingham. Joleon Lescott called for more clarity on the criteria for awarding the prize.

'They don't excite me' - Ferdinand on why defenders should never win Ballon d'Or

Video credit: TNT Sports

Rio Ferdinand believes a defender should never win the Ballon d'Or.

The former England international's comments came after Manchester City midfielder Rodri pipped Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior to the prize last month.

Rodri helped Manchester City to the Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 glory, while Vinicius lifted the UEFA Champions League and La Liga crowns with Los Blancos last season.

UEFA Nations League

'Statement' Yamal display shows teenager should win Ballon d'Or - Spain boss

06/06/2025 at 08:26

Ferdinand claimed the Spanish star deserved to walk away with the award, but added that he would like to see the honour go to a player with more star quality.

"It's mad, I was a defender when I was playing, so people think I would be on the defender's side," Ferdinand said on TNT Sports.

Ferdinand reacts to 'phenomenal' Rodri winning Ballon d'Or over 'maverick' Vinicius

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I do not want to see a defender win the Ballon d'Or. I know what their value is, they are important, but they do not excite me, man.

"I want to see a player that is taking on people, running past people, embarrassing defenders or midfielders. Ronaldinho, R9, Messi, these are Ballon d'Or winners.

"I want it to continue like that in that vein."

The Ballon d'Or is voted for by a jury of journalists, one from each of the top 100 countries in the latest FIFA rankings.

As a result, the rankings can often contradict domestic individual honours, with Erling Haaland finishing above Manchester City team-mate and PFA Player of the Year Phil Foden this year.

Fellow TNT Sports pundit Joleon Lescott called for more clarity when deciding who wins the prize.

Ballon d'Or winner Rodri's biggest moments

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I think they are seeing that now [how crucial Rodri is to Manchester City]," Lescott said. "He is probably the most important player in the squad.

"We have seen them without Erling Haaland, without Kevin De Bruyne, even without Ederson at certain stages.

"The last five defeats I think in the league have come when he [Rodri] is not playing. His importance is there for everyone to see, but going back to the Ballon d'Or, the criteria is so erratic.

"I feel he was the most consistent performer over the year and played to his maximum more than Vinicius Junior, more than Jude Bellingham.

"I know for Manchester City, Phil Foden won player of the year, but for consistency, I think there was no one better.

"It's like some players are being picked on individual form and others are being picked on what their club did."

Ferdinand agreed, pointing out that Haaland finished above Foden in the rankings despite the English midfielder's remarkable campaign.

"That is mad," said Ferdinand. "We spoke about this in the green room.

"Haaland finished above Foden in the rankings, but Foden won player of the year at Manchester City.

"Jude Bellingham was player of the year at Real Madrid, comes third."

Foden scored City's early opening goal against Sporting in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

‘Perfect start’ – Foden scores early goal for Man City after ‘nightmare’ from Sporting

Video credit: TNT Sports

---

Stream the 2024/25 Champions League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Ballon d’Or

Vinicius Jr "will win the Ballon d'Or" one day, assures Benzema

11/01/2025 at 11:09

Ballon d’Or

Rodri fires back at 'surprise' Ronaldo Ballon d'Or claim

02/01/2025 at 14:53

Thoughts?