Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Image
Dutch football icon and AC Milan legend Ruud Gullit has fond memories of playing against Real Madrid, particularly recalling a standout moment when his team triumphed over Los Blancos with an unforgettable 5-0 win 35 years ago.
In that memorable match, Gullit shared the field with none other than Carlo Ancelotti, now Real Madrid’s manager. It was Ancelotti himself who set the stage, scoring the opening goal in that decisive victory.
Ahead of tonight’s clash between Real Madrid and AC Milan, Gullit recently spoke with MARCA, sharing his thoughts on the ongoing debate around the Ballon d’Or, especially regarding Vinicius Jr.
The Brazilian winger has been at the centre of discussions, with some feeling he deserved the prestigious award over the chosen winner, Rodri.
Gullit’s take on Ballon d’Or
Gullit acknowledged Rodri’s incredible performance, particularly praising his contributions in crucial matches.
“Rodri is a spectacular player, he has done incredible things. In the most important games he has scored goals as a midfielder,” he began saying.
As a central midfielder, Rodri has stepped up for his team, scoring important goals when they mattered most. Gullit observed that the voting process for the Ballon d’Or often sparks debates because it relies heavily on the preferences of the journalists casting their votes.
“They are two very different players, some people think Vinicius should have won it. I agree with that too, why he didn’t win depends on the journalists who voted for him.”
The Dutch legend sympathised with Vinicius, understanding the frustration that comes with narrowly missing out on such a significant accolade.
He reflected on a similar disappointment Erling Haaland faced the previous year, where his outstanding goal-scoring achievements didn’t translate into a win.
“I can understand his anger, just like I understood Haaland’s anger last year. How many goals does he have to score for them to give it to him? It’s all personal.
Gullit highlighted that it’s a challenging process since the outcome depends on individual opinions. He encouraged Vinicius to keep proving himself on the field, showing everyone his talent and dedication to excellence.
“The journalists who decide have voted for Rodri, I can agree on that, but I understand Vinicius and I would understand it too if it had been the other way around and Rodri would have been angry.
“It is a very difficult thing. The Ballon d’Or is a very important thing. The only thing Vinicius can do is tell them and show them how good he is,” he added.
When asked to name his favourite for the Champions League title, Gullit acknowledged that picking a clear frontrunner is difficult.
Although he expressed admiration for Bayern Munich, he pointed out that Real Madrid consistently stands as a top contender in the competition, no matter the circumstances.
“It’s difficult to choose a favorite for the Champions League, I’ve always liked Bayern, but Real Madrid are always favorites. Don’t forget that.”