Rodri wins Ballon d’Or, making history as the first Manchester City player to receive the prestigious award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to club and country.
Rodri’s Landmark Ballon d’Or Victory
Rodri wins Ballon d’Or, making history as the first Manchester City player to receive the prestigious award, recognizing his exceptional contributions to club and country. The Spanish midfielder played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s successes, including winning the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Additionally, he helped Spain secure the Euro 2024 title, further solidifying his status as one of the world’s top footballers.
Reflecting on his achievement, Rodri expressed pride in representing Spanish football and highlighted the influence of legendary midfielders like Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. Despite appearing on stage with crutches due to a recent ACL injury, Rodri’s spirits remained high as he celebrated this career milestone.
Other Notable Award Winners
The Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris also recognized other outstanding football talents. Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe shared the Gerd Muller Trophy for scoring 52 goals each last season. Kane, who recently joined Bayern Munich, expressed gratitude to his club and teammates for their support.
Real Madrid, despite boycotting the event due to reports that Vinicius Jr. would not win the Ballon d’Or, still collected accolades. The club won the award for Club of the Year, and Carlo Ancelotti received the Johan Cruyff Trophy for Best Coach. Additionally, Lamine Yamal from Barcelona won the Kopa Trophy as the best player under 21, while Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez secured his second consecutive Yashin Trophy for Best Goalkeeper.
The evening celebrated remarkable achievements in football, with Rodri’s Ballon d’Or win as a highlight. For more updates on football and other sports stories, visit the BBC. Explore additional sports insights on Eurasia Sports.
