Manchester City’s Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or in Paris

Manchester City midfielder Rodri was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or on Monday night in Paris, marking a milestone in his career and Spanish football. Recognized for his exceptional season with Manchester City and Spain’s national team, the 28-year-old expressed heartfelt gratitude upon receiving the award at a ceremony organized by France Football and UEFA.

“A very special day, for me, my family, and my country,” Rodri said. Reflecting on his life outside the spotlight, he added, “I understand that because I have no social media, people don’t know me much. I am just a normal guy… I try to be a good person. I am a very calm person.”

Rodri’s impact in the 2023-24 season was undeniable. He helped City secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title, with the team staging a remarkable comeback to edge out Arsenal in a season-clinching nine-game winning streak. 

Rodri also played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, starting every game but one and earning the tournament’s best player honour. Additionally, his world-record unbeaten streak of 74 games for both club and country underscored his status as one of football’s elite.

Rodri’s win marks the first Ballon d’Or for a Premier League player since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008 and makes him only the second Spanish-born men’s player to achieve the honour after Barcelona’s Luis Suárez in 1960. 

“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,” he said, paying tribute to Spanish legends like Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, and Iker Casillas.

The event was not without controversy. Rodri’s primary competitor, Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior, who led his team to a LaLiga and Champions League double, did not attend the ceremony. Sources told ESPN that Vinícius and several Real Madrid players chose to boycott the event, citing the decision as “a historic robbery.” Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga expressed support on social media, saying, “My brother, you are the best player in the world and no award can say otherwise.”

While Rodri celebrated a career-defining achievement, his future remains uncertain. After sustaining an ACL injury in September, he arrived at the ceremony on crutches. Rodri acknowledged the challenge ahead, stating, “I am just trying to take care of myself… and come back stronger.”

Other major awards of the night included Emiliano Martínez of Aston Villa and Argentina, who retained the Best Goalkeeper award, and the Gerd Müller trophy, which went to Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé for the most goals. Meanwhile, Real Madrid, despite their absence, was honoured as the Men’s Team of the Year, and Carlo Ancelotti took the Best Coach accolade.

Rodri’s win serves as a testament to his influence in a sport often dominated by forwards, with the Spanish midfielder saying, “Today… football has won, for giving visibility to so many midfielders who have a job in the shadows.”