Spain And Manchester City’s Rodri Wins Ballon d’Or
Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has won the Ballon d’Or, the numero uno football award for the best player of the past year. Rodri has been selected for his unmatchable performance for both his country and club in the past year. Rodri helped Manchester City clinch the English Premier League while his performance was substantial in helping the La Roja winning the Euro 2024.
RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN’S BALLON D’OR! #ballondor @ManCity @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/Cly6Uyr08H
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
“Thanks for this. It’s a special day for me and all those close to me. One day I told my father: stop, I am leaving football, my dream is over. But he told me… no, keep going, let’s try until the end. Today I’m here and I’m proud, I have to say thanks,” Rodri said after receiving the award.
About Kopa Trophy winner Lamine Yamal, he said: “Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or very soon, I’m convinced of it. Keep it up, keep working hard, you’ll get there.”
Rodri, born Rodrigo Hernandez Cascante on June 22, 1996, is a known for his enviable role as a defensive midfielder with clubs like Villarreal and Atletico Madrid before joining Manchester City in the Pep Guardiola era. A key player for both Manchester City and the Spanish national team, Rodri has earned recognition for his tactical intelligence, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of matches.
The first words of our 2024 Ballon d’Or, Rodri! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/HbcPorxTlp
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
In the past, Rodri played a crucial role in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season, scoring the decisive goal in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Rodri also led Spain to victory in Euro 2024, where he was named Player of the Tournament. Regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, he continues to thrive at both club and international levels.
Rodriiiiiiiiiii 🩵
The 2024 Men’s #ballondor winner! ✨ pic.twitter.com/XaR7T9xPS1
— Manchester City (@ManCity) October 28, 2024
The Ballon d’Or race this year has seen other big names like Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid and Brazil), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid and England), Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid and Spain), Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan and Argentina) among others.
