Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been awarded the Ballon d’Or at a glamorous ceremony in Paris, triumphing over Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN’S BALLON D’OR! #ballondor @ManCity @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/heWvSQsOxn
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Rodri enjoyed a stellar season, securing the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City, along with the Euro 2024 title with Spain. Vinicius Jr., considered Rodri’s main rival for the award, did not attend the ceremony after learning he would not win. His teammate Jude Bellingham was also absent.
The bigger picture
Rodri is the first midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Luka Modric in 2018. Since then, Lionel Messi has claimed the prize three times, while Karim Benzema won once. Robert Lewandowski, the 2020 frontrunner, missed out that year when the award was not presented. Rodri is also the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Did you know?
Currently, Rodri is sidelined for the rest of the season due to an ACL injury. Manchester City has struggled without him, managing only two clean sheets this season, with just one coming in his absence.
What’s next?
As he focuses on recovery, Rodri will celebrate his achievements over the past year. Meanwhile, City is set to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been crowned the winner of the Ballon d’Or at a glitzy ceremony in Paris, beating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr.
