Rodri is assured that Spain team-mate Lamine Yamal will win the Ballon d’Or sooner or later after the Manchester Metropolis midfielder claimed the award for the primary time on Monday.
Rodri beat off competitors from Actual Madrid duo Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham to say the accolade, changing into the primary Spaniard to win the prize since 1960.
Yamal additionally picked up an award after a stellar yr for membership and nation, successful the Kopa Trophy, which is given to the most effective to the most effective participant beneath the age of 21.
The 17-year-old netted seven objectives and added 9 assists in his debut season with Barca, whereas additionally starring in Spain’s European Championship success alongside Rodri.
Yamal was named the Younger Participant of the Event at Euro 2024 after registering 5 purpose involvements (one purpose, 4 assists), together with an help within the last.
Throughout his acceptance speech, Rodri made certain to acknowledge Spain’s rising star, saying: “You’ll win one among these trophies someday my good friend. “Preserve working onerous.”
Lamine Yamal! #ballondor pic.twitter.com/Uj4nFL8Nmp
— Ballon d’Or (@ballondor) October 28, 2024
The Metropolis midfielder additionally grew to become the primary participant to win soccer’s most prestigious particular person prize whereas taking part in for an English membership since Cristiano Ronaldo in 2008.
He performed an integral position within the Residents’ fourth consecutive Premier League title triumph, with Pep Guardiola’s facet not tasting defeat within the 34 league video games that he featured in.
“A really special occasion, for me, my household and my nation,” Rodri stated. “I’d wish to let you know an anecdote the story that led me right here.
“Once I was 17-years-old, I packed up my suitcases and I went to Villarreal with a dream to work within the Premier League.
“Someday I referred to as my father crying telling him it was throughout and that I had invested my life to get right here and I had the sensation that, this was it.
“My father stated we had come all the way in which right here, let’s hold going and that is one thing that modified my mindset and now, right here I’m.
“I’m a traditional boy who by no means will get carried away with stereotypes. Exhausting work is what issues.”
The Spaniard is out of motion for the remainder of the season after struggling an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage towards Arsenal again in September.
Rodri was helped up on stage by Didier Drogba to say the accolade, with the midfielder having arrived on the ceremony on crutches, and offered an replace on his restoration.
“I’m simply attempting to deal with myself. Relaxation, benefit from the free time with my household and are available again stronger,” he stated.