Manchester City midfielder Rodri wins Ballon d’Or after an outstanding season, securing victories with both club and country. The award ceremony took place in Paris, organized by France Football in collaboration with UEFA.
A Special Day for Rodri
Rodri expressed his joy, saying, “A very special day, for me, my family, and my country.” Despite lacking a social media presence, he remains a humble and calm individual who enjoys his profession and strives to be a good person.
Premier League Success
The 28-year-old clinched his fourth consecutive Premier League title with Manchester City in May. Under Pep Guardiola’s leadership, City overcame Arsenal’s challenge, winning their last nine games to secure the title. Rodri is the first player from England’s top tier to win the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Competition and Ceremony Highlights
Rodri’s main competition for the Ballon d’Or was Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who chose not to attend the ceremony after learning he wouldn’t win. Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting. Despite Madrid’s success, including a LaLiga and Champions League double, their nominees did not attend the event.
Rodri’s International Triumphs
Rodri was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, starting every game except one. He earned the player of the tournament award. His unbeaten streak of 74 games for club and country, from March 2023 to May 2024, is a world record, only ending with City’s FA Cup final loss to Manchester United.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Rodri becomes the second Spanish-born male player to win the Ballon d’Or, following Luis Suárez in 1960. Real Madrid’s Alfredo di Stefano, born in Argentina, won twice in the late 1950s. Spanish women have dominated the Ballon d’Or Féminin recently, with Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí winning consecutively.
Injury and Recovery
Rodri is expected to miss the rest of the 2024-25 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained during a match against Arsenal. He accepted the award on crutches, emphasizing his focus on recovery and spending time with family.
Other Award Winners
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal won the Kopa Trophy for the best under-21 player. Aitana Bonmatí claimed her second consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin. Harry Kane & Kylian Mbappé shared the Gerd Müller trophy for most goals, while Emiliano Martínez retained the best goalkeeper award after Argentina’s Copa América victory.
Rodri’s achievements this season have been extraordinary, and his Ballon d’Or win is a testament to his skill and dedication on the field.
