A status of a club could be elevated by the fact that they have had a Ballon d’Or winner within their ranks.
A majority of all the biggest teams in world football have had a player win the award during their time at the club — with Manchester City being one of the few exceptions.
Real Madrid have had the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema to have won the Ballon d’Or during their time at the club amongst others, Barcelona also had Ronaldinho, Johan Cryuff and Rivaldo do the same to name a few.
Even English sides like Manchester United had Ronaldo, Sir Bobby Charlton and George Best do so while Michael Owen won the award at Liverpool.
Pep Guardiola’s arrival has turned City into one of the best teams in the world over the past few years — which has increased their players’ chances of winning the Ballon d’Or.
The likes of Erling Haaland (second in 2023), Kevin De Bruyne (third, eighth and ninth in 2022, 2021 and 2018 respectively) and Bernardo Silva (ninth in 2019) have come the closest in recent years.
- READ MORE: Pundit says £51m Man City star will actually be one of the two main Ballon d’Or contenders in 2025
Tony Cascarino makes Rodri Ballon d’Or claim
However, the Etihad Stadium’s wait for one of their players to parade the ground with the Ballon d’Or in their hands does not cease to exist; a sight any set of supporters would love to witness.
But Rodri could have the chance to have a special place in City folklore if he wins the award in October.
Shaka Hislop believes Rodri should win the Ballon d’Or amongst several other pundits.
Alan Shearer feels Rodri will win the Ballon d’Or while also vouching for him deserving the accolade.
However, only time will tell whether the £62.5 million man has officially been deemed as the best player in the world.
Tony Cascarino claimed that Rodri will fight with Vinicius Jr. for the award next month.
Cascarino said on talkSPORT (8:55 am, 08/09/2024): “I don’t think, honestly. I don’t think there’s a standout. You could probably say Rodri would be one I would definitely consider and I think Vinicius Jr. would have been my next. Them two, whoever out of them two won, I would probably go, make a point.”
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
Rodri could be regarded as a Spanish legend with Ballon d’Or win
It seems like Rodri is enroute to be regarded as a Spanish legend — a footballing nation that is renowned for producing some of the greatest players in the history of the game.
The 28-year-old is consistently world-class in a Manchester City shirt and having been one of Spain’s best players in their Euro 2024-winning campaign, he could merit legendary status one day — if he has not been granted such respect amongst the masses.
But if Rodri won the Ballon d’Or, he would widely be viewed as an icon of Spanish football.
Despite the plethora of incredible players to have come out of Spain, Luis Suarez remains their only Ballon d’Or winner (1960).
Rodri could join Luis Suarez to be etched in history as a truly special Spanish player.
One of the midfield maestro’s primary desires if he intends to win the award to be a part of an exclusive duo of Spaniards.
