By: Ayooluwa Ayobami
Manchester City midfielder Rodri has claimed the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or award at a dazzling ceremony in Paris, France, edging out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. for the honor.
The Manchester City midfielder enjoyed a highly successful season, securing the Premier League title, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup with his team, in addition to winning Euro 2024 with Spain.
Vinicius Jr was considered Rodri’s primary rival for the award but opted not to attend the ceremony upon finding out he would not be receiving it. His teammate at Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham, was also missing from the event.
Rodri has become the first midfielder to receive the award since Luka Modric in 2018. In the years that followed, Lionel Messi claimed the honour three times, and Karim Benzema once. Notably, Robert Lewandowski was in contention for the award in 2020, but it was not presented that year.
Meanwhile, Rodri is the first Premier League player to win since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008, when he was with Manchester United.
