A “victory for football” is how Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri’s triumph at the 2024 Ballon d’Or was described by many. The ‘underrated’ defensive midfielder has been quietly doing his job for both club and country, while attackers and defenders continue to garner plaudits for their respective teams. However, when the 2024 Ballon d’Or results were announced, Rodri left behind popular players such as Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, both of whom play for Real Madrid, to be named the best player of the year.

When Rodri spoke at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in France after receiving the Ballon d’Or award, he amazed everyone with his speech. The Spaniard had special words for his compatriots Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal, who both played key roles in Spain’s triumph at Euro 2024.

“I would like to mention my teammates with whom I won the European title, especially Dani Carvajal, who suffered the same injury as me. Lamine Yamal, I know you will win this award soon. This is a victory for Spanish football and many others.” My friends wrote to me saying that football won today.

The Manchester City man also shared an inspiring story of his, explaining how he almost quit football as a teenager.

“I would like to tell you a story that brought me here: When I was 17, I packed my suitcase to fulfill a dream. One day I cried to my father, it’s all over, I invested my life to get here and that’s it.” My father said, “We came all the way here, let’s move on, and that’s it Attitude changed. I’m a normal kid with values, I know what a hard worker is, thank you very much.”

| Rodri: “I wanted to remember my teammates who won the European Championships, Carvajal, who absolutely deserves to be here, and someone who I think will win, namely you, Lamine.”

“So many players who didn’t win it: “Xavi, Iniesta, Iker, Busquet…”

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– City Chief (@City_Chief) October 29, 2024

Rodri also thanked his girlfriend Laura for accompanying him in all areas of life.

“I have a very special person to thank, my friend Laura. Today is our eighth anniversary. Without them everything wouldn’t be the same. Of course, my family, the values ​​they taught me and who showed me the right steps to take and help me become the man I am today.

“A very special person, my agent Paulo, when you took me to games and fulfilled my dreams. I would also like to thank my teammates because without them I wouldn’t be here because football is a team game. It’s very special for me, Manchester.” “City are the best club in the world, thanks to them it’s become a lot easier. I would like to thank Luis (De La Fuente) for his trust,” he said.