“Of course, that’s because we have the two beasts” - Rodri weighs in on Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominance in Ballon d’Or race
Manchester City midfielder Rodri wants to see one of his Spain teammates win the Ballon d’Or this year. He stated that his national teammates deserved to win the award after a fruitful year.
Speaking to former England goalkeeper Joe Hart on BBC, the midfielder highlighted that with Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi dominating the Ballon d’Or over the last decade and a half, it was time a Spaniard win the award. He said:
"I said after the [Euro 2024] final, I would love it if a Spanish player won the [2024 Ballon d’Or] award. We've deserved it all these years, because when we had the best period in our history, we still didn't have a Ballon d'Or winner. Of course, that's because we have the two beasts, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Sometimes it's difficult to say one of them is not the best. They were the best in my opinion during their careers."
Rodri is among the top contenders to win the France Football award this year. Apart from the Manchester City star, Dani Carvajal has been named as a favorite along with his Real Madrid teammates Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr.
Manchester City star Rodri would love to win the Ballon d’Or
Rodri expressed his desire to win the Ballon d’Or earlier this year. But he was aware that many legendary midfielders couldn't win the prestigious award.
He told the Daily Mirror:
"I know legendary midfielders have never achieved it, but I would love for a defensive midfielder like myself to win it. That would mean a lot, both for the recipient and for young players who want to play in that position, so they know they have the right to be recognized, even if they don't score goals or aren't particularly flashy in their game."
He added:
"I am not surprised. This is normal. I understand very well how things work in these individual awards. They are based on marketing, money and advertising. There have been midfielders before who were also Spanish who did not get what they deserved. Do you understand what I mean? (Laughs). What ultimately matters to me in football is what I achieved collectively."
Rodri helped Manchester City win the Premier League last season. He also played a key role in Spain's EURO 2024 glory during the summer.