Ballon d’Or Backlash As Rodri Red Card Sparks Fury After Man City Collapse In Norway

The debate surrounding the 2024 Ballon d’Or has exploded back into life after Manchester City suffered a humiliating 3–1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian underdogs Bodo/Glimt — and Rodri is at the heart of the storm.

Once hailed as the embodiment of control, composure, and intelligence, the Spain international endured a night to forget in the Arctic Circle. His reckless dismissal, picking up two yellow cards in just 54 seconds, completely derailed City’s hopes of mounting a comeback and left fans questioning how the reigning Ballon d’Or winner has fallen so dramatically.

A Nightmare Night In Norway

Rodri’s unraveling at the Aspmyra Stadion was swift and brutal. Before his dismissal, he was dispossessed in midfield — a moment that directly led to Bodo/Glimt’s third goal. Moments later, frustration took over, and his composure vanished.

The red card forced Pep Guardiola’s side to play with ten men in freezing conditions, effectively ending the contest and plunging City deeper into a European crisis.

“Ballon d’Or Shadow” Follows Rodri

Social media erupted almost instantly. For critics who believed Vinícius Júnior was robbed of football’s highest individual honor, Rodri’s performance felt like vindication.

Fans were ruthless:

• “Since Rodri stole that Ballon d’Or, he’s turned into prime Casemiro at Man United.”

• “Return that Ballon d’Or. This guy disappeared immediately after winning it.”

• “Worst Ballon d’Or winner in history.”

The phrase “since he stole that Ballon d’Or” trended rapidly, reflecting the growing sentiment that Rodri’s aura has faded at the worst possible time for Manchester City.

Timing Makes It Worse

This collapse couldn’t have come at a more damaging moment. Just days after a poor showing in the Manchester derby, Rodri’s lack of discipline in Europe has turned him from City’s supposed safety net into a symbol of their current struggles.

Since his return to the starting XI, City have managed just two wins in seven matches, fuelling a narrative shift that is impossible to ignore.

Guardiola And City Under Pressure

While Pep Guardiola has preached acceptance in defeat, patience among fans is wearing thin. The idea that Rodri was City’s irreplaceable heartbeat is now being openly challenged, and criticism of Guardiola’s control over his squad is growing louder.

City now turn their attention to a Premier League clash against Wolves at the Etihad — a must-win fixture to steady the ship and halt the spiralling negativity.

Final Word

One bad night does not erase a world-class career — but football’s memory is short, and expectations are ruthless. For Rodri, the Ballon d’Or spotlight has become unforgiving, and every misstep now carries extra weight.

The question remains: was this just a blip, or the beginning of a deeper problem for Manchester City?

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