Manchester City fans have been hoping that midfielder Rodri will win this year’s Ballon d’Or.
The midfielder has been absolutely superb over the last couple of years for both club and country.
Last season, the star played a major role in helping City to win a fourth straight Premier League title, and he then went on to win Euro 2024 with Spain, and was the Player of the Tournament out in Germany.
In the 2022/23 season, Rodri put in many top performances in big games as City win the Treble and of course, he scored the winning goal in the Champions League final against Inter.
Rodri has been in firm contention to win this year’s Ballon d’Or and it’s been widely accepted that Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is his main rival.
But it looks as though the City man is now set to miss out.
Vinicius set to win the Ballon d’Or over Rodri as Aguero backs Real Madrid star
It has been reported by Marca that Vinicius has already been informed that he has won this year’s Ballon d’Or.
It is unclear whether the injury sustained by Rodri has had any bearing.
City fans have been left dismayed following claims that the Spaniard looks likely to miss the rest of the season with an ACL tear.
It will now be a real test for City to proceed without arguably their most important player, and it will certainly be a big period for Mateo Kovacic, who will likely be his main replacement.
The Croatian has done well so far this season when Rodri has not played, and fans will hope he can now step up.
City fans would be disappointed to see Rodri lose out in the race for the Ballon d’Or to Vincius.
But one man who is perhaps surprisingly backing the Real Madrid ace is former City striker Sergio Aguero, who is quoted by Marca as saying: “He is a player who generates danger. If Vinicius has the ball you feel that there is danger.
“I prefer Vinicius to win the Ballon d’Or. This season has been much superior.”
Rodri losing out in Ballon d’Or race would be a great shame
- READ MORE: Who is Rodri? Get to know Man City’s modest midfield maestro who won a Champions League final
We will see if Marca’s claim rings true, but it really would be a crying shame if Rodri – who has admitted it would be a dream to win – did not take the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
After coming fifth last time around, Rodri has gone from strength to strength and been hugely influential for both club and country.
His standards rarely ever drop, and he does everything you could possibly want from a player in his position on the pitch.
Vinicius is obviously a top player and has been the main man at Real Madrid and it is right that he has been in the conversation to win.
But him winning over Rodri would be questionable, and many would demand to know what more the City star has to do to win the ultimate individual prize.
