But such a momentous occasion certainly was not devoid of drama at the star-studded and glitzy awards ceremony held at France's Theatre du Chatelet, with Real Madrid boycotting the event once it became clear that previous overwhelming favourite Vinicius Jr had been overlooked, despite winning a host of other awards on the night including best men's coach for Carlo Ancelotti and men's club of the year.

"If the award criteria doesn't give it to Vinicius as the winner, then those same criteria should point to Carvajal as the winner," the reigning Spanish and European champions said in a statement.

Achievement: Rodri is the first Premier League player to win the Ballon d'Or award for 16 years

"As this was not the case, it is clear that Ballon d'Or-Uefa does not respect Real Madrid. And Real Madrid does not go where it is not respected."

Vinicius Jr ended up finishing second in the Ballon d'Or voting, with Real team-mates Jude Bellingham and Carvajal coming third and fourth respectively. Los Blancos stalwart Toni Kroos - who retired from football altogether after Euro 2024 - also placed in the top 10, with Federico Valverde and Antonio Rudiger also inside the top 25.

However, it appears that such a dramatic boycott did not cover messages of congratulations to Rodri, who revealed that he had been contacted by Euro 2024-winning Spain team-mate Carvajal following his unforgettable night.

"I received a call from Dani Carvajal who was very happy for me," said Rodri, who, like Carvajal, is expected to miss the rest of the season with a serious knee injury suffered in the early weeks of the season.

"I wanted to remember him because I think he also deserved it. He has similar values to mine, of teamwork, of loving a club and of giving everything. We share many things, we have been brought together more by the injury."