Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been awarded the Ballon d’Or at a glamorous ceremony in Paris, surpassing Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. This esteemed award, which honors the best football player globally, reflects Rodri’s outstanding skills and contributions over the past year to both his club and national team.
Rodri had an impressive season, clinching multiple trophies, including the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup with Manchester City, as well as the Euro 2024 title with the Spanish national team. His successes are a testament not only to his individual talents but also to the quality of the squad surrounding him.
Despite being viewed as Rodri’s primary competitor, Vinicius Jr. chose not to attend the ceremony after realizing he would not be honored. His absence underscored the acknowledgment of Rodri’s accomplishment. Similarly, Jude Bellingham, who plays alongside Vinicius Jr. at Real Madrid, was also absent, further highlighting the significance of Rodri’s achievement amidst serious competition.
Rodri’s accolade is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the first midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or since Luka Modric in 2018. In the years since, Lionel Messi has claimed the award three times, and Karim Benzema once, which highlights the trend of attacking players dominating the awards recently. Additionally, Robert Lewandowski was a favorite to win in 2020, but as the award was not granted that year, he missed out on the recognition. Rodri’s win also signifies the first time a Premier League player has taken home the award since 2008 when Cristiano Ronaldo won it while with Manchester United, marking a significant moment for both English football and Manchester City.
However, Rodri’s achievement is overshadowed by his ongoing struggles with injury; he is currently out for the rest of the season due to an ACL issue. This absence has had a noticeable impact on Manchester City’s form, as they have struggled defensively in his absence. The team has managed only two clean sheets this season, with just one of those occurring when Rodri was not on the field. His role is vital, offering both defensive cover and contributing to the transition from defense to attack.
As Rodri begins his recovery process, he takes pride in receiving recognition for his performances throughout the year. His exceptional skills and tactical intelligence have established him among the top players in global football. Meanwhile, Manchester City is preparing to face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday, hoping to regroup and continue their quest for titles despite the setbacks posed by Rodri’s injury.
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