The question looming over Rodri’s Ballon d’Or bid was simple yet profound: Can a defensive midfielder—a player built for the team, not the headlines—win football’s highest individual accolade? On that night in Paris, he answered definitively, claiming the 2024 Ballon d’Or and etching his name into history.
This year’s Ballon d’Or contest between Rodri of Manchester City and Spain and Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior became a battle between contrasting styles. On one hand was Rodri, whose defensive prowess and midfield control have made him indispensable; on the other was Vinícius, a forward gifted with pace, creativity, and the magic to break open games. The last time a defensive player achieved such an honor was Fabio Cannavaro in 2006. Since then, the award has been synonymous with prolific scorers, often putting those who shine from deeper positions at a disadvantage.
The Winning Edge for Rodri: Championships, Consistency, and Leadership
Though an injury sidelined Rodri this season, he had already delivered an unforgettable 2023-24 campaign. Fresh off a Premier League title with Manchester City, Rodri also secured the Euro 2024 Player of the Tournament award as Spain lifted the trophy in Germany. His streak of 52 games without a Premier League loss underscored his influence, making his claim undeniable.
In an ESPN interview, Rodri offered an intriguing perspective on the Ballon d’Or, expressing hope that midfielders, too, might earn recognition for their contributions. “I hope…in the next 10 years we have one or two players in my position…that people can value what they do on the pitch,” he said.
Why Rodri’s Style Matters More Than Ever
With Rodri’s triumph, the defensive midfield role has never been more respected. His ability to not only defend but also launch attacks has been invaluable. From the early 2000s, the position evolved with players like Claude Makélélé, Xabi Alonso, and Sergio Busquets redefining the deep-lying midfielder’s impact.
City manager Pep Guardiola hailed him as “the best midfield player in the world by far,” attributing City’s success to his mastery in this role. Luis de la Fuente, Spain’s head coach, agreed, recognizing him as “a natural leader” whose influence transcends statistics.
From Atlético Madrid to Manchester City: Rodri’s Rise
After developing his defensive game under Diego Simeone at Atlético, Rodri moved to Manchester City, where Guardiola refined his instincts further. Rodri adapted seamlessly to the Premier League’s pace, showcasing newfound skills in anticipating play and navigating the field.
At 28, Rodri has grown into a role model for aspiring midfielders. His Villarreal coach, Javier Calleja, recalled his talent early on, pointing out his “vision, positioning, intelligence, and character” as defining traits.
Why This Ballon d’Or Matters for the Whole Game
Rodri’s win redefines the Ballon d’Or’s criteria, emphasizing that contributions beyond goals and assists are crucial. As Michael Owen remarked, though scoring might always be considered the game’s toughest task, Rodri exemplifies that a team-first approach is equally vital. “He’s such an important puzzle piece, and he deserves to be named with the best players in the world,” says City teammate Ilkay Gündogan.
Rodri’s triumph reminds us that football isn’t just about the scorers and playmakers—it’s also about those who secure the backbone of the game. It’s a historic achievement, reinforcing that sometimes, the ultimate team player can indeed claim the biggest prize.
