A “victory for football”, is how many described the triumph of Manchester City and Spanish midfielder Rodri at the 2024 Ballon d’Or. The ‘underrated’ defensive midfielder has been quietly doing his job for both club and country, while strikers and defenders continue to receive plaudits for their respective teams. However, when the 2024 Ballon d’Or results were announced, Rodri left out popular picks like Vinicius Jr. and Jude Bellingham, who both play for Real Madrid, to be crowned best player of the year.

Speaking at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in France after being awarded the Ballon d’Or honor, Rodri left everyone in awe with his speech. The Spaniard had special words for his compatriots Dani Carvajal and Lamine Yamal, who both played a key role in Spain’s victory at the 2024 European Championship.

“I would like to mention my teammates with whom I won the Euro title, especially Dani Carvajal, who suffered the same injury as me. Lamine Yamal, I know you will win this prize soon. This is a victory for Spanish football and for many of us.” My friends have written to me to say: football won today.

The Manchester City man also told an inspiring story, explaining how he almost quit football in his teenage years.

“I would like to tell you a story that led 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 have my life invested to get here and that was My father said we came all the way here, let’s keep going and this is something that changed my way of thinking I’m a normal kid with values, I know what a hard worker is, very thank you very much.

| Rodri: “I wanted to remember my teammates who won the European Championship, Carvajal who perfectly deserves to be here, and someone who I think will win, and that is 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 her presence in all facets of life.

“I have to thank a very special person, my friend Laura, today is our eighth anniversary. Without her, things would not be the same anymore. My family, of course, the values ​​they taught me, and who show me the right steps see what I need to take and help me become the man I am today.

“A very special person, my agent Paulo, when you took me to matches and nourished my dreams. I would also like to thank my teammates, because without them I would not be here, as football is a team game. It is very special for me, Manchester City is the best club in the world, thanks to them things have been much easier. “I want to thank Luis (De La Fuente) for trusting me,” he said.