Rodri Wins His First Ballon d'Or

TDT | Manama                                                      

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Manchester City and Spain’s midfield lynchpin Rodri claimed his first Ballon d'Or, marking a historic achievement both for himself and his club.

A Season Defined by Victory

The 28-year-old earned the award after a sensational year, losing only one match across all competitions. Key to Spain's Euro 2024 success, Rodri also lifted the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup titles with City.

Breaking New Ground for Manchester City

Rodri’s win makes him the first City player to achieve the Ballon d'Or, edging out fierce competition from Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr. and England’s Jude Bellingham. This achievement underscores the shifting power dynamic in European football as City’s stature continues to rise.

A Win for Spanish Midfield Legends

Accepting the award in Paris, Rodri dedicated his win to the legends of Spanish midfield play—acknowledging stars like Andres Iniesta and Xavi Hernandez. As he held the award on crutches due to an ACL injury, he humbly paid homage to his fellow countrymen whose talent shaped his style.

 Real Madrid Drama

While Real Madrid won Club of the Year and Carlo Ancelotti earned Coach of the Year, Madrid's absence at the ceremony sparked headlines, reportedly due to Vinicius Jr.’s Ballon d'Or snub.