In 2024, Manchester City midfielder Rodri was announced as the winner of the Ballon d'Or, beating favorite Vinicius Junior. The victory wasn't an individual one but one celebrating tactical acumen, vision, and on-field intelligence-valued attributes that often find no reward in award ceremonies. The 28-year-old became the first City player to ever earn the Ballon d'Or and the third Spaniard winner after the greats like Alfredo Di Stéfano and Luis Suárez Miramonte.
Follow Playing for 90 on X (Twitter).
In his victory speech, Rodri underlined the critical role of midfielders; he further dedicated the award to Spanish soccer and named stars such as Xavi, Iniesta, and Busquets. "This is a win for players who never got recognition," he said, referring to the players who control the game from the center and rarely get the headlines they deserve. The win of Rodri foretold a new era in what it means for someone to be considered "the world's best," and Rodri made sure his speech captured that reality.
The Controversy: Vinicius Junior and Real Madrid's Grievances
While Rodri's triumph is not to be overlooked, it is impossible not to notice how contentious it was that Vinicius Junior did not come in first place. The Brazilian Real Madrid forward was considered the favorite of the season, and many maintained he would win the Ballon d'Or. In the case of Vinicius, he had a brilliant season: first, leading Real Madrid's attack and, second, proving to be decisive in matches that mattered. Besides all his skills, charisma on the field and off made people love him all over the world.
Real Madrid didn't hide their displeasure. The Spanish club, in a public statement, questioned the criteria of the award, stating that the result disrespected Vinicius' talent and Real Madrid's influence in world soccer. This reaction brought up several intense debates by the fans and the media as to what should be truly considered in an award such as the Ballon d'Or-just stats and positional importance, or charisma and popular appeal, too?
Unique was Rodri's talk about the value of positions that aren't as glamorous. He mentioned that players like Vinicius and other forwards are a common sight in headlines, but neither tactical nor disciplined midfield work should be underrated. "I think soccer has to recognize all the roles that build up the game," Rodri said, maybe in a manner reflecting what a lot of players in his position think but rarely get to say.
Worth of midfielders, public opinion comes across in divided reaction: Rodri is not that kind of player to use in publicity campaigns or to follow on social media. In fact, he does not have that explosive media presence like Vinicius Junior or any other forward, who has an electric explosion of energy every time he touches the leather. But his victory brings freshness to modern soccer, proving that midfield, with its stability, discipline, and strategic outlook, can play a crucial role in the fate of the match. For Rodri, the victory is about opening the door to the Ballon d'Or for other midfielders.
Fans' reactions had been very divided; many, especially Real Madrid and Brazilian supporters, believe Vinicius Junior would top it. His influence on and off the pitch was more than enough to seal the victory, something which, in the view of many, Rodri's triumph tasted like a defeat for forwards. Indeed, Rodri didn't have his absolute best season and wasn't necessarily the standout player for either Manchester City or the Spanish national team, with others arguably ahead of him in club and country performances.
What the Ballon d'Or Means for Rodri and Manchester City
Rodri made history by being the first Manchester City player to ever win the Ballon d'Or. Rodri's triumph crowns years of hard work and success in both the English and European soccer circuits with a milestone for the club. No Premier League player had been voted as the world's best since 2008, when Cristiano Ronaldo won the award while at Manchester United. It sealed a perception in the world that City is not just a team full of stars, but one where every position is important from attack to defense, with a strategic and skilled midfield at the core.