Image Credit: Ballon Dor
Manchester City’s Rodri has won the 2024 Ballon d’Or, defeating Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. The Spanish midfielder was honored in Paris after a standout season, securing multiple titles with City and Spain’s Euro 2024 victory. Rodri is the first Premier League player since 2008 to claim this prestigious award.
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has claimed the prestigious Ballon d'Or, awarded in Paris, edging out Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. Rodri’s victory follows an exceptional season where he helped City secure the Premier League title, UEFA Super Cup, and FIFA Club World Cup, and he also celebrated a Euro 2024 victory with Spain.
Despite being a strong contender, Vinicius did not attend the ceremony, knowing the award was going to Rodri. This marks the first time since 2018 that a midfielder has won the Ballon d'Or, with Luka Modric being the last before him. Rodri is also the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008. Injured with an ACL tear, Rodri’s absence has been felt by City, who have struggled defensively, keeping only two clean sheets this season, with just one of them achieved without him.
The Ballon d'Or recognition celebrates his remarkable impact and influence on the pitch over the last year. Moving forward, Rodri’s priority is recovery, while Manchester City will face Tottenham in the Carabao Cup without him this week.
