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Ballon d'Or: City's Rodri Wins to Become First Spanish Winner in 60 Years
Ballon d'Or: City's Rodri Wins to Become First Spanish Winner in 60 Years
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The prestigious Ballon d’Or award was lifted by Manchester City’s Rodri on Tuesday night. The win means he becomes the first Spaniard in 64 years to lift the laurel since former Barcelona star Luis Suarez in 1960.
Rodri was awarded the silverware after leading his club to its fourth straight Premier League title, winning the 2024 Euros with Spain as well as winning the best player of the tournament, and sustaining an unbeaten 74-game streak.
The 28-year-old defensive midfielder eclipsed the likes of Vinicius Junior, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer, among others for the golden ball.
"A very special day, for me, my family and my country. I understand that because I have no social media, people don't know me much. I am just a normal guy. I enjoy the sport, I enjoy my profession. And I try to be a good person. I am a very calm person," Rodri said.
The La Roja player further expressed his joy on stage, saying, "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 [Hernandez], Iker [Casillas], Sergio Busquets, so many others. It is for Spanish football and the figure of the midfielder,"
He finally ended his speech by sharing, "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 am just trying to take care of myself. Rest, enjoy the free time with my family and come back stronger."
Rodri is triumphant not only in his club and national duties but also in his spirit despite sustaining a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury last September 22 against Arsenal.
The Madrid native collected his award on crutches but ultimately went home with the biggest trophy.
French Football held their annual Ballon d’Or award at the Théâtre du Châtele, where they also awarded the Ballon d’Or Féminin, the Gerd Muller trophy, Kopa Trophy for best under-21 player, and best goalkeeper trophy to Aitana Bonmati, Harry Kane & Kylian Mbappe, Lamine Yamal, and Emi Martinez, respectively.