Manchester City midfielder Rodri took the prestigious prize in October with favourite Vinicius in second place
Rodri helped City to a fourth straight Premier League title and Spain to Euro 2024 while attacker Vinicius guided Madrid to a record-extending 15th Champions League.
This year's ceremony in Paris was clouded by controversy after Vinicius' Madrid boycotted the event.
"In my opinion he deserved to win the golden ball. It was unfair, I say it here in front of everybody," former Madrid attacker Ronaldo said at the ceremony of the Global Soccer Awards.
"They gave it to Rodri, he deserved it too but I think they should have given it to Vinicius because he won a Champions League," the Portugal captain added.
Only Argentina superstar Lionel Messi with his six successes has won the Ballon d'Or more than Ronaldo.
The winner of the Ballon d'Or is chosen from the shortlist by an international jury of 100 specialist journalists.
