‘Since he stole that Balon D'or’ - Fans mock Rodri after 54-second red card in Man City’s UCL disgrace

The debate over the​ 2024 Ballon d'Or has been violently reignited following Manchester City’s humiliating 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt. 

At the centre of the storm is Rodri, whose nightmare performance and subsequent red card have left fans claiming the midfielder has been "exposed" since winning football’s ultimate individual prize.

In a shocking moment of madness at the Aspmyra Stadion, Rodri, celebrated for the very composure that earned him the Golden Ball, picked up two yellow cards in just 54 seconds. 

The dismissal effectively killed any hope of a City comeback, leaving the former Premier League champions in a state of European crisis.

For many, the sight of Rodri being pickpocketed for Bodo/Glimt's third goal before losing his head was the ultimate vindication for those who believed Vinícius Júnior was robbed of the award last year. 

Social media has become a digital theatre, with fans wasting no time in linking his recent struggles to his controversial triumph.

“Since Rodri stole that Ballon d'Or, the guy has just turned into a prime Casemiro at Manchester United,” one fan quipped, mocking the Spaniard's sudden drop in form.

Another supporter was even more blunt about his impact since returning to the squad: “Return that Ballon d'Or. This dude completely disappeared after winning it.

The timing of the collapse is particularly damaging. Just days after a dismal showing in the Manchester derby, Rodri’s lack of discipline in Norway served as a catalyst for a wave of schadenfreude across the football world.

“Lol, his comeback to the squad has been a waste; maybe it’s time to sell him,” posted one frustrated user.

“Worst Ballon d’Or winner in history,” another added, as the phrase "since he stole that Ballon d’Or" began to circulate following his dismissal.

Critics argue that the defensive intelligence and world-class stability Rodri was touted for have vanished at the most crucial juncture of City’s season.

The defeat in the freezing Arctic Circle leaves Pep Guardiola’s side reeling. With only two wins in seven games since Rodri returned to the starting lineup, the narrative is shifting from Rodri being City’s insurance policy to being a symbol of their current stagnation.

Up next, the Cityzens face Wolves in the Premier League, a match the former champions are expected to win to bounce back to winning ways at the Etihad on Saturday.