Skip to content
GO TO bet365 Sports
Ballon d'Or
  1. Football

Rodri: How the Ballon d'Or was won

After a phenomenal season for both club and country, Rodri has been awarded the Ballon d'Or.

Manchester City's number 16 has become the first midfielder to win the Ballon d'Or since Luka Modric in 2018, whilst also being the first player to claim the award whilst representing a Premier League club since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.

The Spanish international joined Manchester City in 2019, and has since established himself as one of Europe's best defensive midfielders.

The lean and physically imposing midfielder, known for his tenacity and energy, has added goals and assists to his game in the previous year, consistently emerging as a dependable player to win his team the game.

Let's take a look at some of the moments that set Rodri on his way to winning the 2024 Ballon d'Or award...

Rodri's moments to remember

88th minute winner vs Sheffield United

Pep Guardiola's side travelled to Sheffield to face newly-promoted Sheffield United in gameweek three of the 2023/24 season.

Despite the Blues' success under Guardiola, they have been known to start the season slower than they would have liked on occasions, and this was the case here.

With the score levelled up by Sheffield United's Jayden Bogle in the 85th minute, Manchester City were aggressively chasing a winner.

In a time of panic, the coolest man on the pitch, Rodri, arrived into the box to fire home a first-time effort on his weaker left foot, leaving Wes Foderingham stuck to his spot.

In a season where the Citizens clinched the league by just two points, this moment should not be downplayed.

A goal on the final day vs West Ham

The Blues headed into the final game of the season needing a win to secure their fourth consecutive Premier League title.

After taking an early 2-0 lead over West Ham, Mohammed Kudus netted for the Irons, making for a nervy second half for Man City supporters.

Those nerves, however, diminished fairly quickly. Up stepped Rodri, coolly slotting home Manchester City's third, solidifying the club's 10th Premier League trophy.

Rodri's Euro 2024 campaign

While it may not be a single moment, leaving out Rodri's remarkable European Championship campaign would be naive.

Rodri was at the heart of a Spain side that didn't lose a single game in the competition, conceding just four goals in seven games.

In a squad filled with talented, albeit inexperienced players, Rodri was integral to their success. This was recognised as he was granted the Player of the Tournament award, despite missing the second half of the final through injury.

2023/24 club achievements

Manchester City

While Manchester City may look back on the 2023/24 campaign with slight disappointment after losing the FA Cup final to rivals Manchester United and crashing out in the quarter-finals of the UEFA Champions League, it was by no means a bad season.

The Blues recorded 91 points in the Premier League and lifted the title in May, becoming the first team to win the Premier League four times on the bounce.

Rodri was fundamental to Manchester City's success, with the Blues far from their best when Rodri wasn't on the pitch, as proven by their three league losses when he faced suspension.

Spain

Rodri was the pivotal cog in a Spain team that claimed the nation's fourth UEFA European Championship.

While many players find the continuation of form from club to country a task, Rodri embraced playing for his nation and was the core of an effervescent Spain side.

Individual achievements

Rodri was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Spanish international was also awarded the UEFA European Championship Player of the Tournament and included in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament.

Rodri: What they said

Rodri is irreplaceable for the fact that he has something that is difficult to find, but not just at Man City, all around the world. If you say: you have money to buy a player like Rodri, they’re not on the market.

Pep Guardiola (Manchester City manager)

Rodri is one of the most decisive players for Spain and at Man City. He doesn't get nervous. He never seems to be under pressure. He scores important goals. He's a top player.

Toni Kroos (Former Real Madrid and Germany midfielder)

Related Articles

bet365 uses cookies

We use cookies to deliver a better and more personalised service. For more information, see our Cookie Policy

New to bet365? Bet £10 & Get £30 in Free Bets Join Now

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of qualifying bets. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.