Rodri has become the first midfielder since Real Madrid legend Luka Modric to win the Ballon d’Or.
Despite Vinicius Jr spearheading Carlo Ancelotti’s side to triumphing in La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Rodri has managed to beat him to such a prestigious accolade and showcase that a defensive-minded player can also win such an individual award.
Vinicius decided not to attend the Ballon d’Or ceremony alongside other representatives from Real Madrid as well.
Real Madrid supporters were fuming at Rodri beating Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d’Or as well.
Signing for Manchester City in 2019, the Spaniard has scored 24 goals and registered 30 assists in 260 appearances for the club.
However, goal contributions do not define his game as Phil Foden claimed Rodri is Manchester City’s “most important player” last season.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
What Rodri said after winning the Ballon d’Or
After winning the award, Rodri expressed his honour at becoming a newly-crowned Ballon d’Or winner.
The 28-year-old said: “Incredible night for me today, if you let me. I would like to speak in my language, Spanish, of my country.”
“Thanks for this. It’s a special day for me and all those close to me.”
“I always said one of my key things is to improve every day. I was a traditional midfielder but I knew I needed to be better in the final third that’s why I have improved there. That is the modern holding midfield role. You have to be like a striker because you play in the frontal area?”
“I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best. I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don’t have to be crazy. I would like to thank God.”
“I am just trying to take care of myself after my injury, spend time with my family, rest a little bit. I will celebrate with the people who love me and those who were with me in the bad moments.”
Rodri also recounted how he almost gave up on his dream to become a professional player: “One day, I told my father, ‘Stop, I leave 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 revealed what his friends told him about winning the Ballon d’Or: “Many of my friends have written to me to say, football has won today.”
The Ballon d’Or winner praised Manchester City as well, claiming: “Manchester City is the best club in the world.”
What Rodri did to win the Ballon d’Or in 2024
The midfield maestro triumphed on both a collective basis for club and country.
Rodri lifted the Premier League title, the European Championship, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, the Player of the Tournament at the Club World Cup, the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament while also being named in the Team of the Tournament.
Last season, the former Atletico Madrid maestro also registered 23 goal involvements (nine goals and 14 assists) across all competitions for Manchester City.
It seems like his contributions for Spain have also duly been recognised – with Alvaro Morata claiming Rodri deserved the Ballon d’Or.
Lamine Yamal also campaigned for Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win — winning the tournament alongside him in the same side.
The decorated midfielder was the heartbeat of Luis de La Fuente and Pep Guardiola’s sides.
As a result, Rodri has been given the honour of becoming one of the few midfielders in history to lift the Ballon d’Or.
The Manchester City legend’s acceptable speech was a reflection of how humble he is.
