In a groundbreaking moment for football, Manchester City’s midfield maestro Rodri has claimed the 2024 Ballon d’Or, becoming the first defensive midfielder to win the prestigious award since Luis Suarez in 1960. The Spanish international’s triumph marks a significant shift in the recognition of football excellence, traditionally dominated by forwards and attacking players.
A Season of Unprecedented Achievement
The 28-year-old’s path to glory was paved with remarkable achievements across multiple competitions. As the anchor of Manchester City’s midfield, Rodri proved instrumental in securing a historic fourth consecutive Premier League title. His influence extended beyond domestic success, playing pivotal roles in City’s UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup victories in the 2023/24 season.
What sets Rodri apart is not just his defensive prowess but his evolution into a complete midfielder. With 17 goal involvements in the Premier League alone—eight goals and nine assists—he demonstrated that defensive specialists can also contribute significantly to their team’s attacking arsenal. His ability to control games from deep while providing crucial goals in decisive moments, including the title-clinching strike against West Ham on the final day, exemplifies his comprehensive impact.
International Glory Seals the Deal
Perhaps the most compelling chapter in Rodri’s Ballon d’Or campaign was his commanding performance in Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 run. Leading his national team to victory in all seven matches he featured in, Rodri showcased his ability to perform at the highest level on multiple fronts. His crucial equalizer against Georgia in the knockout stages highlighted his knack for delivering in crucial moments.
The Numbers Tell the Story
Across all competitions in the 2023/24 season, Rodri’s statistics paint a picture of consistent excellence:
- 50 total appearances
- 9 goals
- 14 assists
- A remarkable 74-game unbeaten run in club competitions prior to the FA Cup final
A New Era for Football Recognition
This historic win challenges traditional notions of football excellence. While attacking stars like Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham, along with City teammate Erling Haaland, were strong contenders, Rodri’s victory acknowledges the crucial role of tactical and defensive excellence in modern football.
The significance of this achievement extends beyond individual recognition. It sets a precedent for future generations of midfielders and defenders, suggesting that excellence in less glamorous aspects of the game can indeed be celebrated at football’s highest level.
Looking Ahead
Despite currently being sidelined with a knee injury that will keep him out for the remainder of the season, Rodri’s Ballon d’Or victory stands as a testament to his extraordinary impact on the sport. His absence from Manchester City’s current campaign only underscores his importance, with the team’s performances notably affected when he’s not orchestrating play from the middle of the park.
This watershed moment in football history may well influence how future Ballon d’Or candidates are evaluated, potentially opening the door for more defensive-minded players to receive recognition for their contributions to the beautiful game.
The victory not only honors Rodri’s exceptional season but also validates Pep Guardiola’s vision of total football, where every player, regardless of position, contributes to both defensive and offensive phases of play. As football continues to evolve, Rodri’s triumph may be remembered as the moment when the sport’s highest individual honor truly embraced the complete footballer.