Football News
Surprise, a favorite admits not believing in his chances!
Rodri, considered a pillar of Manchester City and the Spanish national team, is in the running for the 2024 Ballon d'Or after an exceptional season. Despite his success, he admits that the competition is tough, especially for a midfielder, and hopes to see Spain get a new winner.
Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri is among the favourites to win the 2024 Ballon d'Or, alongside the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Jude Bellingham. Fresh off a breakout season with Manchester City that included another Premier League title and a Euro 2024 win with Spain, Rodri made a surprising statement to ESPN about his chances of winning the prestigious individual award.
Rodri has played a key role in Manchester City's success this season. With 50 appearances and 9 goals scored, he has established himself as one of the best midfielders in the world, combining defensive ability, reading the game and attacking efficiency. In addition to his exploits at club level, Rodri has shone with the Spanish national team, contributing to their victory at the Euros in Germany.
However, despite his success, Rodri is aware of the difficulty for a midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or, an award often dominated by strikers. He thus spoke of the fate of other great Spanish players who have marked their era without winning the distinction, notably Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández.
In his interview with ESPN, Rodri admitted to sharing the opinion of those who think that if it was difficult for Iniesta and Xavi to win the Ballon d'Or despite their exploits, it could be the same for him. “A lot of people say: 'If Iniesta or Xavi didn't win it, how can Rodri do it?' I partly agree.”he said. “They are players who marked an era, some of the best in history, but they were also part of a generation that included Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.”. However, Pep Guardiola believes he is the number 1 favourite.
Rodri also pointed out that Spain has only had one Ballon d'Or winner in its entire history, Luis Suarez, who won in 1960. According to him, Spanish football deserves another winner to reward the great players it has produced over the years. “I think Spain deserves one because we have great players who make history in clubs and countries”added Rodri.
The 2024 Ballon d'Or is set to be a particularly hotly contested one with several strong contenders. In addition to Rodri, Jude Bellingham, who has shone with Real Madrid and the England national team, is also in the running. Vinícius Júnior, another rising star at Real Madrid, has also had an impressive season, cementing his position as one of the best strikers in the world. The competition could therefore be tough, even for a player who has had a season as successful as Rodri's.
Rodri recognises the importance of this individual recognition, but he also seems aware of the complexity of obtaining it in the face of competition from other more attacking players, often more visible in the eyes of the general public and the Ballon d'Or judges. However, if his performances for club and country continue at this level, he could well succeed where Iniesta and Xavi failed.
In any case, Rodri's statement on the Ballon d'Or shows a certain humility, while affirming his desire to see another Spaniard crowned. Despite the historical dominance of Messi and Ronaldo, the Manchester City midfielder believes that the performances of Spanish players, including his own, deserve recognition that is worthy of their contribution to world football. It remains to be seen whether this will finally be the year that Spain adds another name to the list of Ballon d'Or winners.
