Manchester City’s defensive midfielder, Rodri has been named the winner of the 2024 Ballon d’Or, beating out favorite Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid, according to information reaching us from Diaspora Digital Media.
This marks a historic moment for Rodri, who becomes the first Premier League player to take home the award since Cristiano Ronaldo, then of Manchester United, in 2008.
Rodri’s impressive season, which included winning the Premier League with Manchester City and the European Championship with Spain, ultimately swayed the jury in his favor.
His influence on the pitch was undeniable, and his manager, Pep Guardiola, had already tipped him as the deserving winner.
The news comes as a surprise to many, as Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid was widely expected to win the award.
However, reports suggest that Vinicius Junior’s camp had already gotten wind of the decision and had canceled plans to attend the ceremony.
Real Madrid staff, including teammates Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal, are also expected to skip the event.
*Rodri’s Achievements:
– Premier League Winner: Rodri helped Manchester City secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title.
-European Championship Winner: Rodri played a crucial role in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory.
– Best Player Award: Rodri took home the Best Player award at Euro 2024.