Cristiano Ronaldo calls the Ballon d'Or “UNFAIR” and that Rodri should not have won it, as the previous five-time winner reveals who should have been the “clear” recipient of this year's gong.

Cristiano Ronaldo has taken aim at the Ballon d'Or by criticizing the credibility of the historic awards ceremony.

Ronaldo called Vinicius Jr the best player in the world and praised the credibility of the Dubai Globe Soccer Awards on Friday.

Vinicius Jr was named men's footballer of the year at Atlantis in Dubai, while Manchester City's Rodri won the equivalent award at the Ballon d'Or in controversial fashion earlier this year.

Ronaldo said: “Vinicius Jr should have won the Ballon d'Or, in my opinion it was clear.”

'It was unfair. “That's why I love the Globe Soccer Awards, they're honest.”

Before the much-hyped event, the Brazilian striker had become the bookmakers' favorite after winning both La Liga and the Champions League with Los Blancos.

Cristiano Ronaldo insisted that Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr deserved to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or

The Brazilian forward did not attend the event since Rodri collected the award for the first time

Rodri was the first Premier League player to receive this honor since Ronaldo himself in 2008.

However, just hours before the ceremony began, Real Madrid withdrew their 50-player contingent and the Brazilian was reportedly told he had not won.

Instead, Rodri claimed the top prize after helping City become the first team to win four consecutive top-flight titles in England and serving as an integral component in Luis de la Fuente's Euro 2024-winning Spanish team.

By being named the winner of the 2024 men's Ballon d'Or, Rodri became the first Premier League player to achieve the feat since Ronaldo himself with Manchester United in 2008.