Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri has been announced as the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, the first ever for one of football’s most prized individual honors. The 28-year-old midfielder beat Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham for the coveted prize, rounding up an exceptional year.
Rodri played a key role in Manchester City’s historic fourth successive Premier League title last season, netting eight goals and creating nine more. Complementing his heroics in the Premier League, Rodri shone bright on the continent with a goal and three assists as City secured a spot in the final stages of the Champions League.
Also the born Madrid star shone brightly on the international stage, guiding Spain to a record-extending fourth UEFA European Championship title this summer. Superb displays from the talented forward saw him collect the Player of the Tournament award, underlining his authority and technical command.
Rodri becomes the first defensive midfielder since Lothar Matthäus of Germany in 1990 to capture the Ballon d’Or, joining the legendary Alfredo Di Stefano and Luis Suarez as one of only three Spaniards to claim the title. His win marked a landmark moment for such defensive players and underlined Rodri’s global footballing reach.
