Rodri wins Ballon d'Or as Man City star ends 64-year wait amid Real Madrid boycott
Rodri has landed the Ballon d'Or, seeing off the likes of Vinicius Jnr, as the Manchester City midfielder wins the prestigious award following Premier League and Euros success
Rodri has won the Ballon d'Or - becoming the first Spaniard to claim the award in 64 years after a stellar season.
The Manchester City star saw off competition from the likes of Vinicius Jnr and Jude Bellingham, on a night where Real Madrid shamefully boycotted the event after learning that the Spain international had beaten Brazil superstar Vinicius to the individual gong.
Rodri remained an integral part of a City side that won the Premier League for a record-setting fourth time in a row. Pep Guardiola's side also made the final of the FA Cup as they continued their domestic dominance.
The 28-year-old then kept up his winning habit over the summer as he led Spain to glory at Euro 2024. Rodri excelled in his midfield anchor role and was named the Player of the Tournament as the Spanish conquered Europe for a fourth time, seeing off England in the final. Rodri was forced off at half-time in the final, but Spain were still able to get the job done in Berlin.
He said: "Good evening everybody, I have so many people to thank. First of all France Football and UEFA for giving me this award. To all those who voted for me. I'd like to thank the most important person in the world, my girlfriend Laura, without her things wouldn't have been the same. My Family of course, for the values they've instilled in me and teaching me to become the man I am.
"I don't want to forget my team-mates. Manchester City thank you, you're so special, I know I wouldn't be here without you. For me they are the best club in the world. I'd like to thank the national team and Luis (de la Fuente) for trusting me for so long. My colleagues with whom I won the Euros, Carvajal, he should've been here with me. Lamine, I know you'll win this award soon.
"This is not just a victory for me, but for Spanish football. So many players who didn't win the award, but deserved it, this is a victory of Spanish football."
In the aftermath of the Euros Spain boss Luis de la Fuente claimed that Rodri would be the rightful winner of the Ballon d'Or as he hoped to see a player from his country land the individual gong. He said: “Rodri has to be the Ballon d’Or. Give it to him, please. He’s simply the best player in the world ”.
Rodri has succeeded where several of his compatriots have fallen short. Andres Iniesta, regarded as the finest Spanish player of his generation, came second to Lionel Messi in 2010. His Barcelona team-mate Xavi came third in three successive years from 2009 to 2011. The last Spaniard to win the award was Luis Suarez for the Catalan club in 1960.
The City star is currently sidelined and is expected to miss the remainder of the season as he was forced to undergo ACL surgery.
Vinicius Jnr ended up in second ahead of Real team-mate Jude Bellingham. The Englishman enjoyed a stellar debut year in the Spanish capital and also helped the Three Lions make the final of Euro 2024, scoring a crucial goal in the knockout stages against Slovakia.
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