Official: Rodri Wins Ballon d'Or, Defeating Vinicius Jr for Football's Top Honor

Rodri Crowned at Paris Ceremony

In a stunning highlight for Manchester City, midfielder Rodri has been awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or at a glamorous ceremony in Paris, outpacing Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr in the race for football's most coveted individual accolade.

A Season of Triumph

Rodri enjoyed a remarkable season, helping Manchester City secure the Premier League title, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup. Additionally, he played a vital role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory. While Vinicius Jr was widely regarded as Rodri's primary contender for the award, he chose not to attend the ceremony after discovering he would not be the recipient. Another candidate, Jude Bellingham, also absent, highlighted the unusual nature of the event.

A Historic Achievement

Rodri's win is significant, marking the first time a midfielder has received the Ballon d'Or since Luka Modric in 2018. Since that time, Lionel Messi has claimed the award three times, and Karim Benzema has one win to his name. Notably, Robert Lewandowski missed out on the award in 2020 when it was not presented, even though he was considered a strong contender.

Rodri's Acceptance Speech

During his acceptance speech, Rodri expressed his gratitude, stating, "A very special day, for me, my family, and my country." He emphasized his commitment to continuous improvement, saying, "I try to improve every day, try to level up my game." In response to questions about his recovery from injury, Rodri mentioned, "I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family, and come back stronger."

Current Situation

Unfortunately for City, Rodri is sidelined due to an ACL injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season. The team has struggled in his absence, managing only two clean sheets this season, with just one recorded without the Spanish midfielder on the field.

Looking Ahead

As Rodri focuses on his recovery, he will reflect on his accomplishments from the past year, which led to this honor. In the meantime, Manchester City will face Tottenham in the Round of 16 of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, competing without their key midfielder.