Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win represents a significant recognition for a type of footballer often overlooked. While Real Madrid expressed their displeasure over Vinícius Júnior's absence from the awards, the crowning of the Spanish midfielder signals a shift in the footballing narrative. Rodrigo Hernández, known as Rodri, once described himself as “the lame one who never did anything” during his university days in Castellón, where he studied business. He was not one to partake in the social activities of his peers, preferring to focus on his football. At just 19, while playing for Villarreal, his classmates were unaware of his talent until they witnessed him on the pitch. Now, at 28, he has achieved the remarkable feat of being voted the best player in the world, becoming the first Spanish man to win the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suárez did so 64 years ago. On a day filled with claims of injustice, Rodri’s victory can be seen as a form of justice—not just for him, but for a certain type of player and the values they represent. His win embodies the spirit of teamwork and collective effort, which is fundamental to the essence of football. Although this achievement should have been a cause for national pride in Spain, it was somewhat overshadowed by Real Madrid's decision to boycott the awards ceremony upon learning that Vinícius Júnior would not be the recipient. This refusal to attend cast a shadow over what should have been a celebration of Rodri’s and Aitana Bonmatí’s accomplishments, highlighting a lack of unity in the recognition of their success.