Manchester City’s Spanish midfielder Rodri receives the Ballon d’Or award during the 2024 Ballon d’Or France Football award ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet in Paris on October 28, 2024. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
Glamtush reports that Manchester City midfielder Rodri has claimed the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of the Real Madrid trio of Vinicius Junior, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal in a historic triumph that marks the pinnacle of his inspiring journey.
After receiving his award, the Spanish international reflected on the uncertain path that led him to football’s highest individual honour.
In his acceptance speech on Monday at the ceremony in Paris, France, Rodri revealed a pivotal moment from his early career.
He said, “One day I told my father: stop, I leave football, my dream is over. But he told me… no, keep going, let’s try until the end.”
According to him, that persistence has now been rewarded with football’s highest individual accolade.
“Today I’m here and I’m proud; I have to say thanks,” Rodri added.
The Spanish international becomes the second Premier League Player to win the coveted award in 16 years since Cristiano Ronaldo won it in 2008.
It was a trophy-laden season for Rodri, lifting the Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup with City, as well as Euro 2024 with Spain.
Since Luka Modric won the award in 2018, Rodri is the first midfielder to win it. Lionel Messi has won three of the prizes since then, with Karim Benzema winning one.
The award did not hold in 2020 because of COVID-19, denying Robert Lewandowski the chance to win the trophy.
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