The Ballon d’Or recognized Spain and Manchester City midfielder Rodri as the best player in the world on Monday. He triumphed over Brazil’s Vinicius Jr. and England’s Jude Bellingham, both of whom play for Real Madrid, to secure this esteemed accolade.
Aitana Bonmati, the midfielder for Barcelona, has secured the women’s award for the second consecutive time.
Rodri has emerged as a first-time recipient of the award, playing a crucial role in leading his team to an unprecedented fourth consecutive Premier League title last season. This year’s European Championship saw Spain secure a record-extending fourth title, with one player standing out as the tournament’s best performer.
At 28 years old, the Madrid native has made history as the first defensive midfielder to secure the Ballon d’Or since Lothar Matthaus achieved the honor in 1990. He also becomes the third Spaniard to receive this prestigious award, following in the footsteps of Alfredo Di Stefano, who won in 1957 and 1959, and Luis Suarez, who claimed the title in 1960.
Despite the Spanish League’s dominance in the award’s history, it has been over 60 years since a Spaniard last claimed the honor, with Barcelona legend Luis Suarez being the last. This is particularly notable given Spain’s “golden generation,” which achieved remarkable success by winning the 2010 World Cup and the Euros in 2008 and 2012.
Hailed by Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola as “the best midfielder in the world,” Rodri has ended that streak with a unique skill set that has cemented his club’s position as the dominant force in England and contributed to Spain’s resurgence in European football.
“Today marks not just a personal achievement but a significant moment for Spanish football as a whole. It is a celebration for the numerous players who have yet to experience this success, including legends like Andres Iniesta, Xavi Hernandez, Iker Casillas, and Sergio Busquets, among many others.” “It is for Spanish football and for the figure of the midfielder,” Rodri stated during the ceremony.
