“I’m already a winner” – Ballon d’Or favorite Rodri claims people ‘want’ him to win the award over Vinicius Jr.

Manchester City star Rodri, recently admitted that he has already won the Ballon d’Or this year, after fans expressed support on the streets.

“I’m already a winner” – Ballon d’Or favorite Rodri claims people ‘want’ him to win the award over Vinicius Jr.

Rodri has a brilliant 2023-24 season, and is among the front-runners to win the Ballon d'Or this year. (via Bein Sports)

In a recent interview, Manchester City midfielder Rodri admitted that he has already won the Ballon d’Or this year. This is because the fans on the streets applauded him as a winner. The 28-year-old Spaniard is among the front-runners to win the award this year. 

Rodri is among the 30-man Ballon d’Or nominees list, after a brilliant season with both club and country. He made 46 appearances for Man City last season, scoring nine goals and providing 12 assists, guiding the club to its fourth successive EPL title. With Spain, he also won the 2024 Euros, being adjudged the best player of the tournament. If he wins the 2024 Ballon d’Or, he would be the first defensive midfielder to do so, after German legend Lothar Matthaus won it in 1990. 

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The 28-year-old midfielder admitted that his nomination has made him ‘proud’. He also spoke about his admiration for Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr., who is also one of the players leading the race to win the award. Moreover, he went on to reveal that he has been greeted by people on the streets who claimed that he deserves to win. 

For me, to be in the conversation that the people when I walk into the street, they say to me, you're going to win the Ballon d'Or, you deserve it. And for me, that means I am already a winner with this... I never dream about this.
Rodri on his 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination (via ESPN)

Rodri will be facing stiff competition in the race to win the Ballon d’Or this year, with four other Man City players also on the 30-player list. This includes defender Ruben Dias, midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and forwards Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. 

Rodri returns to Manchester City training, set to play his first match of the season against Brentford

Manchester City star Rodri is yet to feature for the club this season, having been given an extended break by manager Pep Guardiola. He had a busy campaign last season, with both Man City and the Spanish national team. 

Rodri return Manchester City
Rodri is set to return to the Manchester City starting lineup against Brentford. (via Manchester City.com)

The 28-year-old midfielder, who has made his name as one of the best midfielders, made his return to the match-day squad last week. However, he was on the bench as an unused substitute against West Ham. After featuring for Spain during the recent international break, Rodri is now expected to return to the starting XI, against Brentford this weekend. 

Manchester City will have a busy season ahead, owing to an increase in the number of matches this season. The new UEFA Champions League and Club World Cup formats have raised fears of player exhaustion among teams.