Manchester City and Spain’s midfielder Rodri has claimed his first men’s Ballon d’Or, the prestigious annual award for the top footballer globally. The 28-year-old secured the honor at a ceremony in Paris after an impressive season, where he lost just one match across club and national play, and was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory in July.
In addition to his national team success, Rodri enjoyed a remarkable season with Manchester City, achieving victories in the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. This win makes him the first player from Manchester City to ever receive the Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr.
Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid took third place, marking the highest finish for an English player since Frank Lampard’s second-place ranking in 2005. Real Madrid also earned the club of the year award, and Carlo Ancelotti was recognized as men’s coach of the year. However, Real Madrid did not send representatives to accept their awards, reportedly due to dissatisfaction over Vinicius not winning the Ballon d’Or.
“A very special day for me, my family and my country,” said Rodri, who appeared on stage on crutches after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September.
“Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football, for so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.”
Credit: BBC
