In a momentous occasion for football, Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has been crowned the men’s Ballon d’Or winner for the first time in his career. The announcement came during a glittering ceremony held in Paris on Monday, where the 28-year-old was recognised for his outstanding contributions on the pitch. With this achievement, Rodri becomes not only the first Spanish player to win the prestigious award since 1960 but also the first Premier League player to achieve this honour since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
Over the past season, Rodri’s exceptional form contributed significantly to his team’s successes. He played a pivotal role in helping Spain clinch the Euro 2024 title in July and also enjoyed a stellar club season, winning the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the Club World Cup with Manchester City. His remarkable season is underscored by the fact that he lost only one game while representing both club and country.
Rodri emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive field, surpassing Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr., who finished in second place, while Jude Bellingham made waves by taking third—an impressive position for an English player, the highest since Frank Lampard secured second place in 2005.
In a ceremony overshadowed by controversy, Real Madrid, whose squad had been honoured with several awards, including Club of the Year and men’s Coach of the Year for Carlo Ancelotti, opted to boycott the event. The absence of their delegation stemmed from discontent surrounding the anticipation that Vinicius would not win the Ballon d’Or despite his stellar performance over the year.
A visibly emotional Rodri took to the stage with crutches, having recently suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September. The midfielder dedicated his win not just to himself but to the legacy of Spanish football. “A very special day for me, my family and my country,” he expressed during his acceptance speech. “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, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.”
Rodri’s victory symbolises a significant milestone not only in his career but also in the landscape of modern football, reinforcing Spain’s rich football heritage and the vital role of midfielders in the game. As he lifts the Ballon d’Or, the footballing world watches in anticipation of what lies ahead for this influential player.