As the voting for the 2024 Ballon d’Or begins next week, it will be interesting to see which player dethroned Lionel Messi.
At Manchester City, a select few number of players could be worthy winners of the award.
For instance, Erling Haaland scored a staggering 38 goals in all competitions despite missing a significant chunk of last season sidelined through injury; while winning his second consecutive Premier League title.
However, Phil Foden had a season to remember too — winning both the Premier League and the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award.
Scoring 27 goals and providing 12 assists in all competitions, Foden was talismanic in a way not many players his age were last season.
Rodri praised Foden for singlehandedly carrying City’s title charge on his shoulders for the first time in his career.
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Guardiola shares how he feels about Rodri potentially winning Ballon d’Or
The Spanish international is another player who will certainly be in the running for the accolade.
Stewart Robson claimed Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or this time around.
The £62.5 million man dominated at both club and international level in a way no other player did in world football.
However, it is rare for players who cannot be classed as attackers to win individuals awards across the board.
If the former Atletico Madrid anchor ends up not winning the award, one reason why that might be the case is due to the holding midfield position he plays in.
However, Pep Guardiola feels Rodri deserves to win the Ballon d’Or.
Guardiola said via HaytersTV: “We will be delighted, he deserves it but I guess, maybe other ones deserve it too. So, the people vote. So, Rodri has made that season but many, many seasons, of course, the previous season was really, really good in the Premier League and especially in the Euros winning with Spain.”
“But there are other players also who did a good season.”
Rodri winning the Ballon d’Or will instantly make him a legend of the game
If Pep Guardiola is granted his wish and Rodri wins the Ballon d’Or, there is a strong possibility that he will instantly be regarded as a legend of the game.
The four-time Premier League winner would break the norm by becoming one of the few non-attacking players to take home the award.
Despite Rodri only being 28, the masses might simply bow down to his greatness and acknowledge that he is a legendary footballing figure.
After how influential the midfield maestro has been for both Manchester City and Spain, several fans and pundits alike would certainly like to see his efforts being rightly rewarded.
Whether the general consensus sides with Rodri is the question.
But after his latest international success, the ex-Villareal midfielder could be classed as the favourite to win the award.
