How Rodri won the 2024 Ballon d’Or

The last couple of years have shown why Rodri is perhaps the most consistent footballer of this generation. The Spaniard was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or to the surprise of the sports betting odds, with many believing Vinicius Junior did enough for Real Madrid to become the first Brazilian recipient since 2007, however, it was Manchester City’s midfield maestro that was victorious in Paris.

Indeed, Vini and the rest of the remaining Madrid contingent chose to boycott the award, but even the missing European champions didn’t overshadow the praise shown to Rodri, who since 2023 had been the best player in world football until his injury against Arsenal earlier this season.

City are expected to be without Rodri for the rest of the season, but the 28-year-old’s influence on Pep Guardiola’s side was immediately apparent – the Premier League holders losing five games in a row in his absence.

He has been sidelined with an ACL injury since September, but even that did not manage to dampen spirits on a wet day at the Etihad Stadium, where Rodri was finally able to parade the trophy in front of the home fans.

“What can I say? The first City player to win it and on Saturday I will be with them and I will enjoy this with them,” he said. “I felt their love everyday and they love, they want me to show them and it will be a great moment for me on Saturday to share with them.

“Because we are a family and from the first minute I joined this Club they showed me their love.”

Big moments, important goals, and an ability to lead a team of winners showcased why Rodri lifted the famous golden trophy in France’s Théâtre du Châtelet. The most prestigious award an individual can receive, the decision from journalists to vote for Rodri over the likes of Vini Jr and Jude Bellingham, shows that being a part of a team is still valued.

As well as scoring the winning goal in the 2023 Champions League final to complete an unprecedented treble, Rodri won a fourth consecutive Premier League title, as well as the European Championship with Spain.

In Germany, the midfielder’s presence was felt massively in La Roja’s success. He was named in the team of the tournament as the Spanish steamrolled their way to the trophy.
While he was subbed off in the final against England in Berlin, throughout the Euros he proved massively influential, completing 92% of his passes in six games and being the glue that connected Spain’s midfield and attack, giving the likes of Dani Olmo the freedom to get up the pitch.

The question now remains – will Rodri hit the same heights when he returns to the pitch? In recent years, the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Marco Reus have recovered from ACL injuries to rediscover their top form, and with the Spaniard in the same position as players like Eder Militão, the road to recovery will be long but well worth the wait.

Rodri was never blessed with breathtaking speed or athleticism, but his ability to read the game and dictate play has shown why he is regarded as one of the best players in the world. Only time will tell if he receives the award again, or if Vini or another Madrid player will finally win another Ballon d’Or.