Manchester City midfielder becomes the first player in the club’s history to win the prestigious award, dedicating his triumph to his country and fellow players.

In a landmark moment for both Manchester City and Spanish football, midfielder Rodri has been awarded the men’s Ballon d’Or for the first time, celebrating a year of extraordinary achievements. The 28-year-old received the honour during a ceremony in Paris, marking a significant milestone in his career following a stellar season that saw him contribute to Spain’s triumph in Euro 2024.

Rodri’s accolades this past season are impressive; he played a pivotal role in Manchester City’s success, helping the team clinch the Premier League, UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup. Last season, he lost only a single game while representing both club and country, solidifying his status as one of the most influential midfielders in world football. This victory not only highlights his personal achievements but also cements his place in the annals of Manchester City history as the first player from the club to earn the coveted Ballon d’Or.

The midfielder’s triumph came ahead of fierce competition from Real Madrid’s Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr., who finished in second place, and fellow Madrid player Jude Bellingham, who secured third—making Bellingham the highest-placed English player since Frank Lampard’s second-place finish in 2005.

Despite Real Madrid winning the award for Club of the Year, the absence of any representatives at the ceremony raised eyebrows, as reports circulated about their boycott of the event following claims that Vinicius Jr. would not win the Ballon d’Or.

In his acceptance speech, Rodri expressed profound gratitude, stating, “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 Andrés Iniesta, Xavi Hernández, Iker Casillas, Sergio Busquets, and many others. It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder.”

Rodri delivered this heartfelt message while appearing on stage using crutches, having suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in September. His courage and resilience have resonated deeply with fans and fellow players alike.

The Ballon d’Or, regarded as the ultimate accolade in football, is determined by a jury of journalists from the top 100 countries in the FIFA men’s world rankings. This year’s award marked a notable shift in the landscape of football, as it was the first instance since 2003 that neither Lionel Messi nor Cristiano Ronaldo appeared among the nominees.

Rodri’s remarkable season followed a strong showing in the previous year, where he finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or rankings after helping Manchester City secure a historic Treble in 2023. His contributions in midfield have been crucial; last season, he scored a career-best nine goals, including vital late strikes in Premier League encounters and a goal during the title-clinching 3-1 victory over West Ham.

In addition to his club achievements, Rodri’s performance during the Euro 2024 final against England was noteworthy, where he exited the match due to injury at half-time but had already made a significant impact, earning the title of player of the tournament. His ability to perform under pressure and make key contributions has earned him respect across the footballing world.

Rodri’s words resonated with fans as he reflected on the recognition for midfielders, stating, “Today, many friends have written to me and 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.” He added, “I’m a regular guy with values, who studies, who tries to do things right and doesn’t follow stereotypes, and even so, I have been able to get to the top, and it is thanks to all of you.”

As he navigates the recovery process from his ACL injury, Rodri remains optimistic, stating, “I am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family, and come back stronger.” His commitment to returning to the pitch underscores his dedication to both his club and country, and fans will eagerly await his return to competitive football.