Following the controversy involving Real Madrid on Monday night, 2022 Ballon d'Or winner Karim Benzema has insisted that recently crowned world's best player Rodri does not make him go "wow".
The 2024 edition of the Ballon d'Or served up some serious drama as Los Blancos boycotted the event in protest of Vinicius Junior and Dani Carvajal missing out on the main award.
Read: 'There are problems between Real Madrid UEFA'
The men's prize was contentiously given to Manchester City's deep-lying playmaker Rodri, a decision that has since been met with strong opposition by several high-profile stars, including Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga.
Al Ittihad star Benzema is the latest to disagree with Rodri winning the Golden Ball, insisting that the Spaniard does not make his jaw drop like Vinicius does.
"I spoke to Vini, he's sad… it's also normal," the former Real talisman said in an interview with El Chiringuito.
"He deserved to win the Ballon d'Or. I've nothing against Rodri, good player… but I'm in my sofa watching TV and Rodri doesn't do anything that makes you say: wow!
"Last year, when Real Madrid were European champions, Vinicius was decisive in every game. So I don't think there is anyone else who deserves it more than Vinicius.
"I hope he is mentally strong. Yesterday I was talking to Vinicius and he is strong enough to work and one day he will have it [the Ballon d'Or].
"I wrote him a message and he was sad. It's normal. It's a bit complicated when everyone sees you winning the Ballon d'Or and in the end, a day before or a few hours before, they tell you that you're not going to win it. It's very complicated.
"Vinicius is a good kid, he is going to work and one day he will win the Ballon d'Or."
Elsewhere, however, LALIGA president Javier Tebas was critical of Real's decision to boycott the ceremony in Paris.
"I'm a Real Madrid fan. The important values of this club are to be a gentleman and to shake hands when you lose," the Spanish chief told L'Equipe.
"I think Real Madrid lost that mentality a long time ago. They should have gone to the ceremony and not questioned France Football's system, which is transparent, with 100 journalists voting.
"Real Madrid's victimhood does not have to be and is exaggerated. I don't know where they're going. We also experience this lack of elegance in Spain."
Read: Mokwana's club to hire ex-Pirates boss?