Rodri, a midfielder for Manchester City and Spain, has been dubbed a “victory for football” after his victory at the 2024 Ballon d’Or. While forwards and defenders continue to garner praise for their respective teams, the “underrated” defensive midfielder has been quietly performing his duties for both club and nation. But when the results of the Ballon d’Or 2024 were revealed, Rodri defeated well-liked candidates like Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr., both of whom are Real Madrid players, to win the award for greatest player of the year.
Rodri’s statement at the Ballon d’Or event in France, when he received the honor, left everyone speechless. The Spaniard offered a special message for his countrymen Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal, who were both instrumental in Spain’s victory in Euro 2024.
“I would want to thank my teammates, especially Dani Carvajal, who sustained the same injury as me, with whom I won the Euro title. I have no doubt that you will soon receive this honor, Lamine Yamal. Many of my friends have written to me to say that football has triumphed today, and this is a win for Spanish football.
Rodri’s statement at the Ballon d’Or event in France, when he received the honor, left everyone speechless. The Spaniard offered a special message for his countrymen Lamine Yamal and Dani Carvajal, who were both instrumental in Spain’s victory in Euro 2024.
“I would want to thank my teammates, especially Dani Carvajal, who sustained the same injury as me, with whom I won the Euro title. I have no doubt that you will soon receive this honor, Lamine Yamal. Many of my friends have written to me to say that football has triumphed today, and this is a win for Spanish football.
The Manchester City player also shared a motivational anecdote about how, as a teenager, he nearly gave up sport.
“I want to share a tale with you about how I got here: at the age of 17, I packed my luggage in order to fulfill a dream. I told my father one day that it was all done and that I had given my life to get here. Thank you so much; I am a normal child with values who understands what a hard worker is.
“Today is our seventh anniversary, and I must thank my girlfriend Laura, who is a really unique person. Things wouldn’t be the same without her. Naturally, my family has taught me morals, guided me on the proper path, and helped shape me into the guy I am today.
“My agent Paulo was a really remarkable individual who fed my aspirations by taking me to matches. Since football is a team sport, I also want to thank my teammates, without whom I would not be here. Since Manchester City is the greatest team in the world and has made things much simpler, it holds a particular place in my heart. “I am grateful to Luis (De La Fuente) for having faith in me,” he remarked.
Read More: Vinicius Jr. Breaks Silence As Rodri Beats Him To Ballon d’Or 2024 Title