Rodri Makes History: First Manchester City Player to Win Ballon d’Or

Spanish midfielder Rodri Hernández Cascante has made history on Monday night by becoming the first Manchester City player to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or.

The 28-year-old edged out Real Madrid’s Vinícius Jr., who was widely considered the fan favorite, to claim the coveted Golden Ball.

This remarkable achievement not only secures Rodri’s place in Manchester City’s history but also makes him only the second Spaniard to win the Ballon d’Or, following Luis Suárez, who received the honor in 1960.

Rodri’s exceptional season is highlighted by his significant contributions, including guiding Manchester City to a fourth consecutive Premier League title and leading Spain to victory in Euro 2024.

Notably, he was named Best Player of the tournament despite suffering an ACL injury in September and being sidelined during the final.

Rodri’s win also marks a significant milestone for the Premier League, as he becomes the first player from the league to win the Ballon d’Or since Cristiano Ronaldo’s first victory in 2008. Vinícius Jr. had a stellar season with Real Madrid, contributing to the team’s success in La Liga, the Champions League, and the Spanish Super Cup.

He scored 15 goals in La Liga, netted six in the Champions League—including one in the final—and achieved a hat trick in the Spanish Super Cup final. However, in a surprising twist, Rodri emerged victorious, lifting the trophy and solidifying his legacy.

This historic win is a defining moment for Rodri and Manchester City, adding to the club’s growing stature in the world of football and inspiring future generations of players.