Rodri Becomes First Manchester City Player to Win Ballon d’Or
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri has won his first Ballon d’Or, awarded to the year’s best footballer. The 28-year-old was honored in Paris after a stellar season that included helping Spain win Euro 2024 and leading City to multiple titles.
Rodri’s win is historic, making him the first Manchester City player to ever claim the award.
He narrowly beat out Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. after a season in which he lost only one game across all competitions.
Jude Bellingham finished third, the highest position for an English player since Frank Lampard in 2005. Bellingham’s rise at Real Madrid highlights his strong impact in Spain and Europe.
Real Madrid was named “Club of the Year,” with Carlo Ancelotti winning men’s coach of the year. However, no Real Madrid representatives attended, reportedly due to news that Vinicius Jr. would not win the Ballon d’Or.
Appearing on crutches after an ACL injury, Rodri dedicated the award to Spanish football.
He honored former legends like Iniesta and Xavi, saying, “Today is not a victory for me; it is for Spanish football.”