Manchester City ridiculed after being announced the Club of the Year in the Ballon d’Or ceremony
Manchester City ridiculed after being announced the Club of the Year during the Ballon d’Or ceremony on Monday.
Real Madrid were taken aback by the election of Manchester City Club of the Year title at this year’s Ballon d’Or awards, with the European champions ranking third.
Real Madrid won the La Liga and Champions League championships last season, but the club was unexpectedly ranked third at the Ballon d’Or presentation on Monday.
Madrid’s title was undoubtedly one of their best ever as they had to advance through the elimination rounds by defeating PSG, Chelsea, and Man City before edging out Liverpool in the championship match.
This was thought to be the toughest pathway conceivable to winning the trophy.
However, Manchester City were announced as the winner of the Club of the year, a decision that surprised many.
While Pep Guardiola’s side went on to win the Premier League title – their fourth in the past five seasons – their frustrations on the European stage continued, but they were nevertheless named the Club of the Year at Monday night’s Ballon d’Or awards.
City’s Premier League adversaries Liverpool – whose European dreams were also ended by Los Blancos last campaign – ranked second after their FA Cup and EFL Cup successes, with the Spanish capital club coming in at third place despite winning both of their major prizes available.
Real Madrid’s official twitter account reacted to the decision by posting an emoji of two eyes watching above a picture of their players celebrating their Champions League comeback win over City in the last four stages, in which the result was displayed.
Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos wrote ironically on social media: “Third best team in 2021/22, happy Real Madrid?”
Former goalkeeper Iker Casillas added that it was a “prank prize…” before sarcastically adding: “Congratulations to Real Madrid for that 3rd position.”
Speaking on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser on Monday night, Karim Benzema – who was crowned as the best male player at the awards ceremony – added: “For me, Real Madrid is always the best club in the world, then you can give the trophy to whoever you want.”
Also speaking after the gala, Thibaut Courtois explained that the Real Madrid players themselves found it absurd.
Thibaut Courtois: “When Manchester City won the trophy for the best club? We looked at each other and laughed.”
Meanwhile, it is fair to question the decision, given Real Madrid won their domestic competition and the Champions League.
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