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Manchester City midfielder Rodri was crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner at a ceremony in Paris on Monday, celebrating an extraordinary year of achievements with both club and country.
Rodri, 28, lifted his fourth consecutive Premier League title with City in May, playing a pivotal role as Pep Guardiola’s side held off Arsenal’s challenge by winning their final nine matches. His influence extended beyond domestic success, with Rodri also starring for Spain in Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament as La Roja claimed their first European crown since 2012.
“A very special day, for me, my family, and my country,” Rodri said. “I don’t use social media much, so people don’t always know me. I am just a normal guy who loves football and tries to be a good person.”
Rodri edged out Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior for the prize, though the Brazilian winger chose not to attend the event upon learning he would not win. Madrid’s Jude Bellingham finished third in the voting, while the Spanish giants were recognized as the men’s Team of the Year, and Carlo Ancelotti received Coach of the Year honors—though no Madrid representatives were present to accept.
Vinícius later posted his frustration on social media, writing in Portuguese: “I’ll do it 10x if needed. They are not ready.” Teammate Eduardo Camavinga also weighed in, calling the decision “football politics” on X.
Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win makes him only the second Spanish-born male player to receive the honor, following Luis Suárez in 1960. Although Real Madrid icon Alfredo Di Stéfano won the award twice, in 1957 and 1959, he was born in Argentina.
The midfielder’s win also highlighted Spain’s dominance in recent years, with Aitana Bonmatí claiming the Ballon d’Or Féminin earlier in the night, continuing Spain’s streak after Alexia Putellas’ back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022.
On stage, Rodri dedicated the award to Spanish football and the often-underappreciated role of midfielders. “This is not just my victory; it’s a win for Spanish football and for so many players who never won this prize but deserved it—Iniesta, Xavi, Busquets, and others,” Rodri said. “It’s a victory for the midfielders, who often work in the shadows but are now being recognized.”
Rodri accepted the award on crutches after suffering a serious ACL injury in September during City’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal, an injury likely to rule him out for the rest of the 2024-25 season. Nonetheless, his record-breaking run of 74 unbeaten games for club and country between March 2023 and May 2024 stands as a testament to his dominance.
With his Ballon d’Or win, Rodri further cements his status as one of the world’s best midfielders, shining a spotlight on the pivotal yet often overlooked role he plays in football’s most significant moments.
Story By: Baffour/Pinkfmonlinegh.com