Rodri Hernandezmidfielder of Manchester City and the Spanish team, the Brazilian of Real Madrid assured this Thursday Vinicius Junior “He will have to improve in some aspects, like everyone else”, although “in others he is also an example to follow”, at the same time he defended that winning the Ballon d’Or has “changed nothing” for him. He holds no grudge against his opponent, despite the fact that, after knowing that he would not win, he decided with all the Real Madrid candidates not to attend the gala held last October 28 in Paris.
”Say something nice about Vinícius? Yes of course. Really, the fact that there is a rivalry, or that he plays for one team and I play for another, or that he tries to fight for the Ballon d’Or with me, This doesn’t mean he doesn’t know how to value the player he is, the player he became, For me one of the best in the world,” praised the Madrid native in an interview with GQ Spain as the winner of the 2024 GQ Men Of The Year awards.
The central midfielder, returning from an injury, also focused on the personality of the Brazilian, “a boy who will certainly have to improve in some aspects”, even if “like everyone else”. “I also have facets to improve and he is very young. But also in other aspects is an example to follow: his willingness to help others, the social conscience he has”, he praised.
The Spaniards He beat Vinícius by just 41 votes in the race for the Ballon d’Or, an award that did not change his life. “Not even when I was nobody and didn’t earn anything did I do eccentricity. Now that I’m in a great moment, neither am I,” he explained about his personality. “I’ve always known the path to success, to do things well, and nothing will change for me. It’s clear that it’s a historic stage for me , for my family, for my country, but I am calm,” he added.
“Maybe I broke that media barrier. Perhaps the Ballon d’Or was won by a player little known to the media. Inevitably, because of the club I’m in and because I won things, I became more popular, but it’s true that nothing compared to the rest of my competitors,” he said of his choice. And Rodri considers himself “a person different”, “more similar” to children who start playing football “It is closer to them because their life is similar to theirs. I’m not saying mine is better, just different.. But it is essential that they have several mirrors in which to look at themselves and that they choose. Because if you only have one prototype role model for young people, eventually everyone will want to be that. “I came here to open the door for you to be different and achieve success.”he commented.
“I understand that people find it strange that such a prominent figure does not have such an impact across the networks. But there are other ways, there are other ways to have this impact. Mine is through the pitch, through what I do on the pitch”, he said of not having a profile on social media, although he acknowledged that ”with this new role” he will have to “do other different things” to interact with the fans. .
Rodri Hernández does not consider himself “a player about whom you say: ‘That’s a captain, he’s a reference on the field’!” even if he believes it lead “through the game”. “I don’t need to scream to drive. If you know how to organize and manage yourself well on the pitch, others end up following you. You can be very good, but not convince the team to play what you want. Bringing these virtues together is important,” he explained.
Learn to be captain
“I am a person with character, with the ambition to win. This is why when I’m on the pitch I try to give my best. and when I’m away I dedicate myself to learning. I’m starting to get older and captain both the national team and my club and that requires a different role. You are not born learned. You have to learn to be a leader, to communicate with your colleagues, because you have to push the right buttons at the right time. Many times shouting is not the best, it depends on the moment”, he reflects.
The central midfielder is clear that this reward gives him “a dose of leadership and confidence to continue doing things well”, because “now people listen to you, which doesn’t always happen”. “But neither my family, nor my environment, nor I want this to change us excessively,” he reiterated.
“Maybe it gives you a little more confidence to reinforce everything you’re already doing,” he added. “Obviously when you get rewarded for the work you’ve done, you say: “I’m on the right path, I’ll keep working on this.” It’s an exercise in mental strength, how a normal athlete transforms into a winning athlete. In times of doubt you have to bring out your best self and not many people do that,” he expressed.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Rodri Hernandez
Time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome, Rodri! It’s great to have you with us today. First of all, congratulations on winning the 2024 Ballon d’Or! How does it feel to be recognized among the best in the football world?
Rodri Hernandez (RH): Thank you! It feels fantastic, of course. But honestly, it hasn’t changed my perspective on football or my life. I’ve always valued hard work and consistency over accolades.
TNE: That’s a refreshing viewpoint! In your recent interview, you mentioned that you believe everyone has aspects to improve, including your fellow competitors like Vinicius Junior. Can you elaborate on that?
RH: Absolutely. It’s important to recognize that we all have room to grow, regardless of our current achievements. Vinicius is immensely talented and has shown incredible potential; he just needs to refine certain areas like any player. I admire his willingness to help others and his social conscience—it sets a great example for young athletes.
TNE: It’s interesting to see players recognizing each other’s strengths rather than focusing solely on rivalry. Speaking of which, the decision by the Real Madrid players not to attend the Ballon d’Or gala seemed to spark quite a response. What are your thoughts on that?
RH: I understand the emotions that accompany such moments, especially when expectations are high. But from my perspective, I focused on my journey and the values I hold. Rivalry doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate the quality of another player. Winning the award is a personal achievement, not a slight against anyone, including Vinicius.
TNE: How did your upbringing influence your view on competition and success in football?
RH: Growing up, I learned that success involves persistence and being true to oneself. I aim to be an example for young players by showing them that you can be different and still succeed. It’s vital to have diverse role models so that young athletes can choose their paths based on their own strengths and interests, rather than trying to fit a single mold.
TNE: That’s a wonderful perspective. You also mentioned the importance of impacting the game through your performance rather than social media presence. How do you engage with your fans and the community outside of the pitch?
RH: I’ve always felt that actions speak louder than words. While I may not have a large social media presence, I aim to connect with fans through my gameplay and professionalism. However, I understand that I might need to adapt and find new ways to engage with fans now that I’m in the spotlight.
TNE: You’re known for your calm demeanor and ability to lead through performance on the field. How do you manage that responsibility, especially in high-pressure situations?
RH: Leadership is about more than just vocal commands; it’s about setting an example and having a clear understanding of the game. I believe if you organize and manage your own game well, others will naturally want to follow your lead. There’s a subtlety to it that I think sometimes goes overlooked.
TNE: Lastly, with the excitement of the upcoming season, what are your personal goals moving forward?
RH: My primary goal is to continue improving and helping my team win. With each game, there are always lessons to be learned, and I want to contribute to Manchester City’s success while growing as a player and a person. Winning the Ballon d’Or is special, but it’s just one of many steps in my career.
TNE: Thank you, Rodri, for sharing your insights with us today. Best of luck with your season and your journey as a leader on the pitch!
RH: Thank you! It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.