From Teenage Doubt to Ballon d'Or: Rodri's Journey to Football's Top Honor

Manchester City's Rodri has confessed that he almost left football behind during his youth, but his perseverance paid off as he was awarded the prestigious Ballon d'Or. His victory is a testament to the sport's team spirit, as he secured the accolade despite Real Madrid's immature protest following Vinicius Jr's runner-up position. Rodri's achievement is all the more remarkable given his fourth straight Premier League title and his recognition as Player of the Tournament in Spain's Euro 2024 triumph.

Rodri's Ballon d'Or victory is a significant moment for football, as he nearly ended his career in his teenage years. Despite the controversy surrounding Real Madrid's boycott of the ceremony, Rodri's win is well-deserved, following his contribution to Manchester City's consecutive league titles and his standout performance in Euro 2024. His win signifies the recognition that football is a collective effort, not just about individual star power. Since 2007, only a few have broken the duopoly of Messi and Ronaldo in winning the Ballon d'Or. Rodri, who attended the ceremony on crutches after a season-ending surgery, emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, "We are often overlooked compared to more attacking players, but this time it's our moment. I'm just an ordinary guy who benefits from his work, striving to be a good teammate and to give my best." Rodri also paid tribute to past midfielders who have won the Ballon d'Or, acknowledging the era of Messi and Ronaldo and heralding a new chapter with many great players emerging. He is the first Manchester City player and the first Spanish male since Luis Suarez in 1960 to win the award. His teammate, Ilkay Gundogan, expressed joy for a defensive player's recognition, stating, "From now on, he's not underrated anymore." Rodri, who was mentored by Diego Simeone and now plays under Pep Guardiola, has become an exemplary modern midfielder. He scored the decisive goal in the 2023 Champions League final and said, "Winning the Ballon d'Or is a dream come true and an honor for me." He attributed his success to Manchester City's strong team performances, expressing gratitude to his teammates and the club's support system, which allows him to focus on his game and perform at his peak. Rodri, who is now looking forward to regaining full fitness and returning to the pitch, also shared his challenging journey, recalling a moment at 17 when he considered giving up, but his father's encouragement changed his mindset. He concluded by encouraging young people to work hard, stating it's his formula for success and a message that with dedication, one can achieve great heights.