“To be in the race is fantastic for him” - Pep Guardiola weighs in on 2024 Ballon d'Or race, says he’s ‘proud’ of one contender
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is proud to see midfielder Rodri in the Ballon d'Or race this year. He claimed that the Spaniard had been performing at the same level for a few years and praised his consistency.
Speaking to the media ahead of City's pre-season friendly against Celtic, Guardiola weighed in on the Ballon d'Or race. Along with Rodri, he was also delighted for Aymeric Laporte and Ferran Torres for winning the Euro 2024 with Spain. He said (via ManCity's official website):
“When I saw Spain I saw him and he was the level he has been playing for many years. His consistency was good. Rodri, Aymeric Laporte, Ferran [Torres]... they were together and I am happy for them. There are a few candidates for the Ballon d’Or. [From] Real Madrid, Manchester City… I can’t deny how happy he would be. To be in the race is fantastic for him, his family, friends and of course Manchester City. We are so proud.”
Rodri is considered one of the front-runners for the Ballon d’Or this year. However, he faces stiff competition from Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham and Vinicius Jr, while Dani Carvajal also has an outside chance.
Rodri backed to win the Ballon d'Or by Manchester City teammate
Manchester City midfielder Rico Lewis has backed his teammate Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or this year. He claimed the Spain international had been among the best players in the world for a while.
He told the reporters during City's ongoing pre-season tour of the USA (via Manchester Evening News):
“It’s just expected now for a player of his quality – what he’s achieved in recent years. He’s getting more of the accolades he deserves now, more of the personal accolades. He’s a serial winner. Personally, I think he should win it.
"For the past three or four years, he’s been so good. He’s been one of the best in the world for a while now. It’s difficult for a holding midfielder to win it but he showed with the goals, the assists, he does everything. There is no reason why he shouldn’t win it.”
Alvaro Morata also backed Rodri to win the Ballon d'Or this year. Spain manager, Luis de la Fuente, also believes that the Manchester City star deserves the prestigious award.
Notably, Rodri won the Premier League and the UEFA SuperCup with City last season, while winning the Euro 2024 with Spain.