Manchester City midfielder Rodri has expressed his desire to win the Ballon d’Or, calling it a “dream” and an opportunity to end Spain’s 64-year drought for the prestigious individual award.
Rodri has emerged as one of the leading contenders for this year’s accolade, competing closely with Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior.
The 28-year-old is widely regarded as the second favourite behind Vinícius to claim the Ballon d’Or, following a remarkable season where he played a key role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title.
Rodri’s stellar performances continued over the summer, as he was named the Player of the Tournament at Euro 2024, helping Spain to secure the championship.
Despite Spain’s golden era in international football, which saw them win back-to-back European Championships in 2008 and 2012, along with the 2010 World Cup, no Spanish player has lifted the Ballon d’Or since Luis Suárez in 1960.
Suárez, a former Barcelona and Inter Milan midfielder, remains Spain’s last men’s recipient of the award.
Speaking to ESPN, Rodri emphasized the significance of winning the Ballon d’Or, not only for himself but also for the nation. “It would be a source of pride for me and for Spain,” he said ahead of the ceremony set to take place in Paris on October 28.
“Yes, of course it would be a dream for me,” Rodri said.
“There are a lot of people who say if Rodri is going to win it, how, for example, did [Andrés] Iniesta or Xavi not win it?
“In part, I agree.
“They were players who marked an era, some of the best in history, but it is also true that, at the of the end day, they were part of a generation that included [Lionel] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo].
“But it would be a source of pride for me and for my country to win it.
“Having a Spanish representative who is capable of winning the Ballon d’Or enriches everyone.
“We all know in Spain, because we just have one winner, that the last one was Luis Suarez many years ago.
“I didn’t watch him of course and don’t know much about him, but it’s a shock that maybe one of the best countries in history in terms of football doesn’t have more players that have won it.
“But football is like this.
“There have been great players over the years, but I think Spain deserves one because we have some great players that make history with the clubs, history with the countries.”
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