After Erling Haaland came second to Lionel Messi for the famous prize, a different Manchester City star has now hit out after losing the Ballon d'Or award to the Argentine.
Rodri, who is considered by many to be the best defensive midfielder in world football, has expressed his dismay at midfielders such as himself not getting the recognition they deserve through individual awards.
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In the 2023 Ballon d'Or ranking, the 27-year-old placed fifth behind Kevin De Bruyne (fourth), Kylian Mbappe (third), Erling Haaland (second) and Messi, who claimed the eighth such award of his career following his 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph with Argentina.
Despite scoring the goal that helped the Citizens beat Inter Milan 1-0 to win the 2002/23 UEFA Champions League and secure the club's first-ever treble, and helping Spain to a UEFA Nations League triumph, Rodri has now admitted to not being shocked that he was overlooked.
"I am not surprised. This is normal," he said in an interview with the Mirror.
"I understand very well how things work in these individual awards.
"They are based on marketing, money and advertising.
"There have been midfielders before who were also Spanish who did not get what they deserved. Do you understand what I mean?
"What ultimately matters to me in football is what I achieved collectively."
His teammate Haaland was snubbed for the same award despite scoring a staggering 52 goals in just 53 appearances to help the club to its greatest-ever season in terms of silverware.
Pep Guardiola's side, meanwhile, will be looking to replicate the achievements of their previous campaign this season, having beaten FC Copenhagen 3-1 in the first leg of their UCL round of 16 tie on Tuesday night.
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The Citizens are also second on the Premier League table, two points behind leaders Liverpool, and are set to face Luton Town in the fifth round of the FA Cup later this month.
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