Former Manchester United defender Wes Brown has raised doubts about Rodri’s chances of winning the Ballon d’Or due to his defensive role on the pitch.
Rodri played a crucial role in Manchester City’s fourth consecutive Premier League title and Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign. His remarkable performance includes an unbeaten run in normal time since February 2023.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, has already suggested that Rodri could become the first Spaniard to win the prestigious award since Luis Suarez in 1960. Rodri is expected to contend with top contenders including Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior and Jude Bellingham. Young Spanish talent Lamine Yamal, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi.
Despite his significant contributions, Brown believes Rodri’s position may hinder his Ballon d’Or prospects. On Reach’s Euro Thrash podcast, Brown commented, “Even when he came to City, people didn’t recognize him straight away.” It takes a while for people to notice his impact. His role, timing, and leadership are exceptional, but the Ballon d’Or often favors flair players and goalscorers. Nonetheless, he should certainly be considered for a nomination.”
Current odds from Betfair place Vinicius Junior as the 11/10 favorite for the award, with Rodri at 11/8, Bellingham at 5/1, Dani Carvajal at 8/1, Yamal at 11/1, and Messi at 14/1.
Although Messi now plays for Inter Miami in MLS, he remains a strong contender after leading Argentina to victory in this summer’s Copa America, his third major international title in four years. Messi has previously won the Ballon d’Or while playing for David Beckham’s MLS team. Clinching the award in late 2023, a year after winning the World Cup.
Rodri, while not explicitly claiming he deserves the award, has expressed a desire for a Spanish player to win. Following Spain’s Euro-2024 victory over England, he said, “I would like a Spaniard to win it, I don’t care who. It would be great. I’ve heard that Dani Carvajal also deserves it. From an individual perspective, I’m proud of my achievements and recognition, but the assessment of the award is up to others. My focus was on winning Euro 2024.”
Global journalists, along with coaches and captains of national teams under FIFA’s jurisdiction, choose the Ballon d’Or winners.
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