While Vinicius Jr was announced as the favorite, it was Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or on Monday evening in Paris. A consecration at 28 years old for the playing master of Pep Guardiola and La Roja.
Rodri on top of the world. While we were waiting for Vinicius Jr, star of a very angry Real Madrid, it was the Spanish midfielder from Manchester City who won the 2024 Ballon d’Or this Monday in Paris. The 28-year-old received the majority of votes and was presented with the prestigious trophy on stage at the Théâtre du Châtelet.
Rodri, the centerpiece of the success of the Citizens in the Premier League and La Roja at the Euro, was the main competitor of the Brazilian from Real Madrid, with Jude Bellingham. His only downside was the elimination of Manchester City in the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
>> The Ballon d’Or ceremony live
He was Thierry Henry’s candidate
If the Spaniard, victim of a rupture of the cruciate ligament in his right knee in September, will probably not play again by the end of the season, he had shone during the previous year with City, crowned champion of ‘England. To his credit, 50 matches, 8 goals (often very beautiful), 9 assists. Rodri also shone at Euro 2024 in Germany where he triumphed with La Roja.
Last week, when Thierry Henry was asked who he would give the Ballon d’Or to, the ex-Gunner praised Vinicius but quoted Rodri: “People forget about midfielders and what they do , they are the heart of the team and he was the heart of City. He won the Premier League and the Euros.
The Spaniard could also count on the support of his coach Pep Guardiola who praised him at the end of August: “He deserves it (the Ballon d’Or) but maybe someone else does too. People vote. Rodri didn’t “only had an extraordinary season, but also many great seasons. The previous season, of course, was very good with the Premier League and especially at the Euro where he won with Spain”, concluded the Manchester coach. City.
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