Rodri ends 64-year wait with Ballon d'Or triumph as he makes emotional winning speech

Rodri has become the first Spaniard to clinch the coveted Ballon d’Or in 64 years following a sensational season with Manchester City.

Amid stiff competition from talents such as Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham, the Spanish midfielder triumphed on an evening marred by controversy, with Real Madrid boycotting the ceremony upon discovering that their Brazilian star had been beaten to the accolade by Rodri.

Man Coty’s star man played a pivotal role in his team’s remarkable achievement of scooping up the Premier League title for an unprecedented fourth consecutive season. Under Pep Guardiola’s guidance, the club also reached the FA Cup final.

The 28-year-old continued his winning streak through the summer, leading Spain to a victorious campaign at Euro 2024. Rodri’s outstanding performances earned him the Player of the Tournament honour.

In his celebratory speech, Rodri said: “Good evening everybody, I have so many people to thank. First of all France Football and UEFA for giving me this award. To all those who voted for me. I’d like to thank the most important person in the world, my girlfriend Laura, without her things wouldn’t have been the same. My Family of course, for the values they’ve instilled in me and teaching me to become the man I am.

“I don’t want to forget my team-mates. Manchester City thank you, you’re so special, I know I wouldn’t be here without you. For me they are the best club in the world. I’d like to thank the national team and Luis (de la Fuente) for trusting me for so long. My colleagues with whom I won the Euros, Carvajal, he should’ve been here with me. Lamine, I know you’ll win this award soon.”

“This is not just a victory for me, but for Spanish football. So many players who didn’t win the award, but deserved it, this is a victory of Spanish football.”

Following the Euros, Spain boss Luis de la Fuente had backed Rodri for the award, saying: “Rodri has to be the Ballon d’Or. Give it to him, please. He’s simply the best player in the world “.

Rodri has achieved what several of his fellow Spanish players could not. Andres Iniesta, considered the best Spanish player of his generation, finished second to Lionel Messi in 2010, while Xavi came third from 2009 to 2011.

The last Spanish player to win the award was Luis Suarez for Barcelona in 1960.

Currently, the Manchester City star is out of action and is expected to miss the rest of the season after undergoing ACL surgery. Vinicius Jr secured the second spot, outshining his Real Madrid team-mate Bellingham.

The English starlet had an impressive debut year in Spain and played a key role in England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final, netting a vital goal against Slovakia in the knockout stages.