FIFA to Rodri: So sad you cannot win the Ballon d’Or despite winning everything
After enjoying another sensational campaign for club and country, one former Premier League star thinks Rodri will not be Manchester City’s first ever Ballon d’Or winner
Spain’s Rodri holds his leg at half-time during the UEFA Euro 2024 final match at the Olympiastadion, Berlin
Rodri has been told it’s unlikely that he will win the Ballon d’Or
Former Manchester United star Wes Brown believes Rodri’s position as a defensive midfielder will stop him from winning the Ballon d’Or.
Rodri followed up his contribution to the Treble winning season by winning his fourth Premier League title and Euro 2024 with Spain. His performances have been so sublime, he has not lost a match in normal time since February 2023.
His national team manager Luis de la Fuente has already said the midfield maestro should be the first Spanish player to lift the coveted individual award since Luis Suarez won in 1960. Despite another historic campaign for the ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder, Brown thinks Rodri and his coach will be left disappointed.
While speaking on Reach’s Euro Thrash podcast – which you can find on YouTube, Apple and Spotify – Brown said: “Even when he came to City, he didn’t get recognised straight away.
“It takes a while for people to go ‘oh my god, he’s not lost’. It is his position, his timing, his leadership behind the scenes, there are not many you can say have been better at what he does.
“The Ballon d’Or is different, though. It is a bit more for flair players, goalscorers. But he should be up there to be nominated.”
According to Betfair, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr is still the favourite. The Brazilian is 11/10 with Rodri at 11/8, Jude Bellingham 5/1, Dani Carvajal 8/1, Lamine Yamal 11/1 and Lionel Messi 14/1.
Rodri of Manchester City kisses the Premier League trophy after the Premier League match between Manchester City and West Ham United at Etihad Stadium on May 19, 2024 in Manchester, England
Rodri also won his fourth Premier League title in a row
Despite playing in the MLS for Inter Miami, Messi is among the potential contenders as he lifted the Copa America with Argentina, his third major international triumph in four years. The Barcelona legend has previously won the prestigious award while playing for David Beckham’s MLS franchise, picking up his eighth honour in 2023, one year after winning the World Cup.
Whether it is himself or one of his other Spanish comrades, Rodri believes his country are due a second winner of the individual award. After Spain’s triumph over England, he said: “I’m going to be honest, I would like for a Spaniard to win it, I don’t care who.
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Wes Brown was talking on Reach’s Euro Thrash podcast
“It would be great. I’ve heard that [Real Madrid’s Dani] Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual standpoint, I’m very proud of what I am doing and the recognition I’m getting. But someone else has to make that assessment. I came here to win Euro 2024.”
The winners of the prestigious competition are chosen by international journalists and the coaches and captains of the national teams within the jurisdiction of FIFA.
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