Manchester City star Rodri wins first Ballon d'Or

Rodri Hernandez has been one of the most influential and important players in the world of football over the past year, although the idea of a defensive midfielder winning the Ballon d'Or has been criticised by many.

However, the 28-year-old has proved his worth with performances for Manchester City and Spain at Euro 2024 in Germany. His absence has caused acclaimed coach Pep Guardiola to change his schemes on more than one occasion. He is undoubtedly a differential player on the pitch.

The Spaniard may not be one of the favourites to win the ultimate individual trophy in 2024 as his greatest successes as a player came in the 2022/23 season when he helped the Sky Blues win a treble of FA Cup, Premier League and Champions League titles but his genius goes totally unnoticed just like his achievements in the last campaign.

The Spanish international was instrumental in Manchester City's unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League trophy triumph, as well as winning the FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup titles. He also helped his club reach the FA Cup final, which they lost to arch-rivals Manchester United.

But his greatest achievement last season was winning the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain in Germany. The former Atletico Madrid player was crucial in coach Luis de la Fuente's game plan alongside remarkable players such as Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal, among others. Moreover, he was named the tournament's best player by UEFA.

Rodri had 26 goal contributions - 12 goals and 14 assists - last term, which seems few for a fundamental figure at both club and national team level but his intelligence and maturity on the pitch is what makes the team he plays for virtually invincible.

The player is currently suffering from a long-term injury, having attended Monday's ceremony on crutches, but his humbleness and his hard-working​ efforts are reflected today in his new fragrant Ballon d'Or award. Rodri is the first Spaniard to win this prize since 1960 - when former Inter Milan player Luis Suarez Miramontes won it.

 

October 28, 2024