Manchester City midfielder Rodri has said that he has realised a dream after winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or, but he has insisted that his victory is for Spanish football and not solely for himself.
The 28-year-old was announced as the 68th winner of football's most prestigious individual award at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on Monday night, making him the first Man City player to ever receive the accolade.
With his crutches in tow following his ACL injury, Rodri was presented with his award on a night when Real Madrid astonishingly boycotted the ceremony in protest after hearing reports that Vinicius Junior would not win the top prize.
Vinicius Junior had to settle for second place, while his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal finished third and fourth respectively.
Rodri has pipped Vinicius Junior to this year's Ballon d'Or and has been recognised by a panel of journalists from the 100 top-ranking nations for his hugely influential role in Pep Guardiola's Man City side that won an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title in 2023-24.
The Spain international also acted as the beating heart of midfield at international level and was subsequently named Player of the Tournament following a triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
RODRI IS THE 2024 MEN'S BALLON D'OR! #ballondor @ManCity @ChampionsLeague pic.twitter.com/heWvSQsOxn
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
Rodri: 'Many friends have told me football has won'
Rodri, who finished fifth at the 2023 Ballon d'Or ceremony, contributed with 12 goals and 13 assists in 58 appearances for club and country last season, including a career-best nine goals for Man City, and impressively lost just one game in the process.
The defensive midfielder has become the first Spanish player in over 60 years to win the Ballon d'Or and just the third Spaniard in history to claim the men's prize after Alfredo Di Stefano (1957 and 1959) and Luis Suarez (1960).
Speaking at the award ceremony after being announced as the 2024 Ballon d'Or winner, Rodri said: "Today is not a victory for me, it is for Spanish football.
"For so many players who have not won it and have deserved it, like [Andres] Iniesta, Xavi, Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.
"Today many friends have written to me and have told me that football has won, for giving visibility to so many midfielders who have a job in the shadows and today it is coming to light.
"I'm a regular guy with values, who studies, who tries to do things right and doesn't try to follow the stereotypes and even so I have been able to get to the top, and it is thanks to all of you.
"I was a traditional midfielder but I knew I needed to be better in the final third that's why I have improved there. That is the modern holding midfield role, you have to be like a striker because you play in the frontal area.
"I try to be the best version of myself every day. I try to be a leader and learn every day from the best. I am a very calm person until I get upset. I am just a normal guy, you don't have to be crazy. I would like to thank God."
When asked by host Didier Drogba about his ACL injury that has ruled him out for the rest of the current season, Rodri said: "I am just trying to take care of myself after my injury, spend time with my family, rest a little bit."
© Imago
Rodri: 'Man City is the best club in the world'
As quoted by mancity.com, Rodri added: "Manchester City, thank you so much, you are so special, I know I wouldn't have made this without you. For me this is the best club in the world. I would like to thank my national team and Luis [de la Fuente] for trusting me.
"Winning the Ballon d'Or is the realisation of a dream and a genuine honour for me. I have given so much to football, and to be rewarded this evening with the most revered individual prize in the game is something incredibly special for me and my family.
"However, individual prizes are so often the result of strong team performances, and I am eternally grateful to everyone at Manchester City.
"My teammates are the best – I could not ask for more from them, both personally and professionally – and the support I receive from across every department at the football club means I am given the opportunity to focus on my football and preform at my very best. I am very fortunate to be able call myself a Manchester City player.
"I also want to thank my family for their constant love and support. My career would not have been possible without them.
"I am humbled, honoured and very proud tonight. My focus now is returning to full fitness and pulling on a City shirt again."
Meanwhile, Man City teammate Ilkay Gundogan and outgoing director of football Txiki Begiristain have heaped praise on "perfect" midfielder Rodri since he received his Ballon d'Or prize.
Oliver Thomas
