Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri on Monday claimed the prestigious 2024 Ballon d’Or, finishing ahead of Real Madrid stars Vinicius Junior, Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham in a historic win.
After receiving his award, the Spanish international reflected on the uncertain path that led him to football’s highest individual honour.
In an acceptance speech on Monday at the ceremony in Paris, France, Rodri revealed a pivotal moment from his early career.
He said: “One day I told my father: stop, I leave football, my dream is over. But he told me… no, keep going, let’s try until the end.”
According to him, that persistence has been rewarded with football’s highest individual accolade.
“Today I’m here and I’m proud; I have to say thanks,” Rodri added.
Here are things to know about 2024 Ballon d’Or winner Rodri
1. He was named Rodrigo Hernández Cascante at birth but prefers to be called Rodri.
2. Rodri was born on June 22, 1996 in Madrid.
3. He is a Spanish professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Manchester City and the Spain national team.
4. Known for his passing, playmaking and physical attributes, he is currently the best player in the world.
5. He joined Atlético Madrid’s youth setup in 2007 aged 11, from CF Rayo Majadahonda.
6. After stints with Villarreal and Atlético Madrid in La Liga, Rodri joined Premier League club Manchester City in 2019.
7. He helped Manchester City win four consecutive league titles in the 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, and 2023–24 seasons.
8. In the 2022–23 season, he was part of the team which claimed a historic continental treble. This treble included City’s first UEFA Champions League title, with Rodri scoring the only goal in the final, and being named the tournament’s Player of the Season.
9. Rodri is a Spain international and former youth international.
10. He made his debut for the senior national team in 2018 and represented his country at UEFA Euro 2020, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2024.
11. He won the UEFA Nations League in 2023, being named the best player of the finals tournament, and was an integral part in Spain’s victory at Euro 2024, for which he was named Player of the Tournament.
12. Rodri has won several individual awards, most notably the 2024 Ballon d’Or.
13. He became the second male Spanish player in history to achieve this feat after Luis Suárez, who did so in 1960.
Source: The nation
